finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list 

: a contestant in a competition finals

Examples of finalist in a Sentence

They interviewed all of the finalists before making a decision.

a finalist in the tennis tournament

Recent Examples on the Web

Lab, a creative hub linking Qatar’s design scene with Milan, featuring under-35 talent and finalists from its international competition launched during Milan Design Week 2025. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 9 July 2026

The book received high critical praise and was one of the finalists for the National Book Award. — Scott Spires, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

Klein, a cultural reporter and critic in Philadelphia, has been a three-time finalist for the National Book Critics Circle’s Nona Balakian Citation for Excellence in Reviewing. — Julia M. Klein, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Reuters photographer and Pulitzer Prize finalist Cheney Orr snapped the image showing a woman in a green shirt, later identified as 33-year-old Bernita Bowlding, facing the camera while seated on the train. — Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

final entry 1 + -ist entry 1

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst 

: a contestant in the finals of a competition