# halter

/ˈhɔɫtɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/halter
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. animal headpiece

noun · CEFR B2

a set of straps or rope placed around an animal's head so you can lead or tie it.

For teachers: a bitless headpiece consisting of a headstall and noseband, used for leading or tethering livestock such as horses or cattle.

- The farmer put a leather halter on the horse before leading it out of the stable.
- The trainer adjusted the nylon halter to ensure it sat comfortably on the yearling's nose without causing irritation during the leading exercise.

### 2. clothing style

noun · CEFR B2

a style of top or dress that is held up by a strap around the back of the neck.

For teachers: a garment, such as a top or dress, featuring a neckline consisting of a single strap that passes around the back of the wearer's neck.

- She wore a bright blue halter top to the beach party.
- The designer's summer collection featured several elegant silk gowns with a halter silhouette that emphasised the shoulders.

### 3. execution rope

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Literary

a rope with a loop used for hanging criminals in the past.

For teachers: a rope with a noose intended for execution by hanging.

- In the old story, the highwayman narrowly escaped the halter.
- The prisoner stood stoically upon the scaffold, his gaze fixed ahead as the executioner prepared the hempen halter.

## Examples

- He wore a black halter to the wedding.
- The groom chose a classic black halter to match his formal suit for the ceremony.
- While the traditional tie remains the standard for most professional settings, the halter is often preferred for its elegance and ease of tying in more formal social events.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.