Halftime is the break in the middle of a game that's divided into two main periods. In football, basketball, soccer, and many other sports, teams play the first half, then stop for halftime before playing the second half. Players rest, coaches give instructions and make adjustments, and fans grab snacks or stretch their legs.

The length of halftime varies by sport: about 15 minutes in football and basketball, but shorter in soccer. During major events like the Super Bowl, halftime can become a huge show with musical performances and elaborate entertainment that millions of people watch.

Halftime gives teams a chance to regroup and change their strategy. A basketball team that's trailing might switch to a different defense. A football coach might draw up new plays based on what worked in the first half. When commentators say a team “made halftime adjustments,” they mean the coaches figured out how to play better after thinking things through during the break.

The word also appears in everyday conversation. When someone says they're at halftime in a project, they mean they're about halfway done. It captures that moment when you pause, see how things are going, and decide what to do next.