semi

1 of 4

noun (1)

plural semis
: semifinal
often used in plural

semi

2 of 4

noun (2)

plural semis

semi

3 of 4

noun (3)

plural semis
chiefly British
: a semidetached house

semi-

4 of 4

prefix

ˌse-mē,
-ˌmī,
-mi
1
a
: precisely half of:
(1)
: forming a bisection of
semidiameter
(2)
: being a usually vertically bisected form of (a specified architectural feature)
semidome
b
: half in quantity or value : half of or occurring halfway through a specified period of time
semiannual
semimonthly
compare bi-
2
: to some extent : partly : incompletely
semicivilized
semi-independent
semidry
compare demi-, hemi-
3
a
: partial : incomplete
semiconsciousness
semidarkness
b
: having some of the characteristics of
semiporcelain
c
: quasi-
semigovernmental
semimonastic

Examples of semi 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.
Noun
Multiple semi-trucks caught fire following the impact, and two victims were found dead at the scene, FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth reported, citing the Fort Worth Fire Department. Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025 McConkey, who’s been in a sophomore semi-slump, came alive with big catches, including a short one that gave his side the lead in the third, and the biggest of the year, a 42-yarder to put his team in position for the winning field goal. Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Oct. 2025 The Fort Worth Fire Department confirmed that multiple semi-trucks were on fire. Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Oct. 2025 Africa did finally get its first semi-finalists in 2022, when Morocco surprised everyone to reach the final four. Michael Cox, New York Times, 11 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semi

Word History

Etymology

Noun (3)

short for semidetached

Prefix

Middle English, from Latin; akin to Old High German sāmi- half, Greek hēmi-

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1942, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1912, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semi was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semi. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

semi-

prefix
ˌsem-i,
ˈsem-,
-ˌī
1
: half in amount or value
semitone
2
: occurring halfway through a certain time period
semiannual
3
: to some extent : partly : incompletely
semitropical
4
: partial : incomplete
semidarkness
Etymology

Prefix

Latin semi- "half"

More from Merriam-Webster on semi

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