semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl 

ˌse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

1

: being next to the last in an elimination tournament

2

: of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2

noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl 

ˈse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

1

: a semifinal match

2

: a semifinal round

semifinalist

ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist 

ˌse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 132-120 in the earlier semifinal Saturday. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025

The play was reminiscent of Keene’s late quarterback-esque pass to Andrew Meadow in the Mountain West Tournament semifinal win over New Mexico last season. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 14 Dec. 2025

Noun

Pitt will face Texas A&M in the semifinals of the NCAA Tournament with a spot in the championship match up for grabs. —Mike Darnay, CBS News, 15 Dec. 2025

Coming off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, Wembanyama made a difference as large as his towering 7-foot-4 frame, leading the Spurs to an upset victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals 111-109. —Josh Robbins, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for semifinal

• anticlinal
• entorhinal
• isoclinal
• polyvinyl
• transvaginal
• affinal
• anginal
• synclinal
• vaginal
• final
• pinal
• spinal

Kids Definition

semifinal

1 of 2 adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl 

1

: coming before the final round in a tournament

2

: of or taking part in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2 noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈsem-i-ˌfīn-ᵊl 

: a semifinal match or game

semifinalist

ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst 

noun