photo finish

noun

Synonyms of photo finishnext
1
: a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner
2
: a close contest

Examples of photo finish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 2024, Mystik Dan half-nosed out Sierra Leone and Forever Young to win the Derby’s first three-horse photo finish since 1947. Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026 Waite placed second in the photo finish. Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026 The race appears headed for a photo finish. Clayton Davis, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026 The good boy's sprint was caught by the photo finish camera. Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for photo finish

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photo finish was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photo finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photo%20finish. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

photo finish

noun
1
: a finish of a race in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them crossing the finish line has to be examined to decide the winner
2
: a close contest (as in an election)

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