finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈna-lē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnä- How to pronounce finale (audio)
: the close or termination of something: such as
a
: the last section of an instrumental musical composition
the symphony's finale
b
: the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance
the finale of the ballet
In the finale, the singer sang an Italian classic.
c
: the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence
the TV show's season finale

Examples of finale in a Sentence

She sung a very difficult song for the finale. the finale to the festivities was a grand display of fireworks
Recent Examples on the Web Some viewers misinterpreted the season two finale as a series finale. Mikey O'Connell, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Apr. 2024 The Falcons once again ran a balanced attack behind their dual setters Wednesday in their regular season finale, a 25-20, 25-18, 25-13 win over visiting Poway. Tim Meehan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for finale 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finale.' 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

borrowed from Italian, noun derivative of finale, adjective, "last, final entry 1," going back to Latin fīnālis

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finale was in 1774

Dictionary Entries Near finale

Cite this Entry

“Finale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finale. Accessed 5 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

finale

noun
fi·​na·​le fə-ˈnal-ē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnäl- How to pronounce finale (audio)
: the close or end of something (as a musical work)

More from Merriam-Webster on finale

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