/haf"tuym', hahf"-/ , n.
1. the period indicating completion of half the time allowed for an activity, as for a football or basketball game or an examination.
2. Sports. the intermission or rest period between the two halves of a football, basketball, or other game, during which spectators are often entertained by baton twirling, marching bands, or the like.
adj.
3. pertaining to or taking place during a halftime: The football fans were treated to a halftime exhibition by the marching band.
Also, half-time .
[ 1870-75; HALF + TIME ]