finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈna-lē  fi-ˈnä- 

: 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

Synonyms of finale

• ending
• conclusion
• end
• culmination

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

If the Panthers and Buccaneers enter Week 18 at 8-8, the season finale would essentially be a playoff game, with the winner going to the postseason with a division crown. —Charlotte Observer, 15 Dec. 2025

Ahead of the finale, Variety caught up with the actor to talk about his part on the show, his relationships with his co-stars and his globetrotting year of performances. —Andrew McGowan, Variety, 14 Dec. 2025

The Chiefs have games remaining at the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, home to the Denver Broncos on Christmas night, and a Week 18 finale at the Las Vegas Raiders. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 14 Dec. 2025

The finale will be available for viewing in select theaters New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. —Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing finale

• grand finale

Rhymes for finale

• alley
• alli
• bally
• calli
• challis
• dally
• galley
• galli
• lally
• mallee
• mally
• rally

Kids Definition

finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈnal-ē  fi-ˈnäl- 

: the close or end of something (as a musical work)