semifinal

1 of 3

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 3

noun (1)

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

semifinalist

3 of 3

noun (2)

semi·​finalist "+ 

: any of the contestants who meet in the semifinal round or heat of an elimination contest

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Gauff started the semifinal strong, saving 3 break points in the opening game to hold serve. — Lukas Weese, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

After playing Cup semifinal and championship games in the first three years of the event in Las Vegas, semifinal games this season will be played at the home arenas of the highest remaining seeds. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2026

Noun

Lineker scored four goals in the 1990 World Cup in Italy, helping England reach the semifinals before losing to West Germany in a penalty shootout. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026

In the first semifinal, Swiatek broke Svitolina’s serve at love for a 5-3 lead in the third set. — ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

semifinal + -ist

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

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