halter

1 of 2

noun

hal·​ter ˈhȯl-tər How to pronounce halter (audio)
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a headstall usually with noseband and throatlatch to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
also : death by hanging
3
: a woman's blouse or top that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare and that is typically held in place by straps around the neck and across the back

Illustration of halter

Illustration of halter
  • halter 1b

halter

2 of 2

verb

haltered; haltering ˈhȯl-t(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce halter (audio)

transitive verb

1
a
: to catch with or as if with a halter
also : to put a halter on
b
: hang
2
: to put restraint upon : hamper

Examples of halter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The bodice was a mock neck halter fit while the hem was flared with even more feathering added to it. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 20 Feb. 2024 Nicole Scherzinger and Dixie D’Amelio also dazzled in glimmering blue confections from the same collection, while The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Marin Hinkle walked the carpet in a streamlined red halter gown. Fawnia Soo Hoo, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Feb. 2024 Plus, there are classics like halter bikini tops and adjustable triangle tops at an affordable price. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 14 Feb. 2024 Brahim is squatting directly in front of him at his head with his hand holding firmly onto the halter close to his mouth, bringing his head low to the sand. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Jan. 2024 Lipa also danced the night away in a dreamy Bottega Veneta midi dress, which included a backless halter silhouette and was completely covered in long Tiffany-blue fringe. Quinci Legardye, Harper's BAZAAR, 26 Aug. 2023 The bride wore a custom white Chanel halter wedding dress paired with custom Chanel Mary Jane flats while the groom sported a classic black suit and tie. Alexandra Schonfeld, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 The short dress fit her curves seamlessly as the halter fit and the open back was a flattering silhouette. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 19 Jan. 2024 Levi’s created a collection and campaign, including a denim halter top Wingate designed for Daisy, based on one Nicks wore. Valli Herman, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2023
Verb
The wife of San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle, 30, dressed head-to-toe in a matching silver set and halter top from LAPOINTE. Jordan Greene, Peoplemag, 11 Feb. 2024 The JLo Beauty founder also flashes a smile while wearing a strappy thong and halter neck sheer, lace teddy. Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 18 Oct. 2023 The dazzling dress was perfectly fitted to Gomez's figure, and featured a short train and halter neck. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 5 Oct. 2023 Timothée Chalamet wore a barely there halter top to the Venice Film Festival in 2022. Jacob Gallagher, WSJ, 16 June 2023 Hannah wore a custom dress designed by Vera Wang: a mermaid-style gown with a sweetheart neckline, tulle halter high neck and plunging back. Caitlyn Hitt, Peoplemag, 8 May 2023 Fan dazzled in a shimmery Tony Ward halter dress and green cape that featured oversized sleeves and a train. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2023 But gradually, with the help of alfalfa cubes, Buddy got comfortable enough for Ben to pet him, then brush his fur, then halter him. Maggie Shannon Jill Cowan, New York Times, 17 Sep. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'halter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English hælftre; akin to Old High German halftra halter, Old English hielfe helve

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of halter was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near halter

Cite this Entry

“Halter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/halter. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

halter

noun
hal·​ter
ˈhȯl-tər
1
a
: a rope or strap for leading or tying an animal
b
: a set of straps enclosing an animal's head to which a lead may be attached
2
: a rope for hanging criminals : noose
3
: a woman's blouse or top that is held in place by straps around the neck and across the back and that leaves the back, arms, and midriff bare
halter verb

More from Merriam-Webster on halter

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