half-hour

[haf-ouuhr, -ou-er, hahf-]

noun

1. a period of 30 minutes.

2. the midpoint between the hours.

   The clock struck on the half-hour.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of a half-hour.

   half-hour programs.

half-hour

noun

1. 1. a period of 30 minutes

   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour stint on the treadmill

2. 1. the point of time 30 minutes after the beginning of an hour

   2. ( as modifier )

      a half-hour chime

Other Word Forms

• half-hourly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of half-hour¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425

Example Sentences

This half-hour comedy offered so many great moments of spot-on commentary about the state of legacy journalism that I wasn’t sure if I should weep or laugh.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to the higher cap, the revamped program broadened the types of productions eligible for incentives, including half-hour television shows, certain large-scale competition shows and animated shorts, series and films.

From Los Angeles Times

A half-hour later, he texted another friend noting someone else was fishing near him.

From Los Angeles Times

I knew every show that was on in every hour or half-hour of prime time, on all three networks.

From Los Angeles Times

The Netflix limited series and Apple TV+ half-hour series are both favored to win Creative Arts Emmys for cinematography.

From Los Angeles Times