finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈna-lē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnä- How to pronounce finale (audio)
: the close or termination of something: such as
a
: the last section of an instrumental musical composition
the symphony's finale
b
: the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance
the finale of the ballet
In the finale, the singer sang an Italian classic.
c
: the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence
the TV show's season finale

Examples of finale in a Sentence

She sung a very difficult song for the finale. the finale to the festivities was a grand display of fireworks
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.
Bronny James missed the Lakers' preseason finale against the Kings, listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury. Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Oct. 2025 Before a crowd of 31,191 at Bank of America Stadium, playing in its season finale against the best team in Major League Soccer, Charlotte was rocking and rolling toward what would soon be a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 19 Oct. 2025 Norvell's last game with the Pack was the 2021 regular-season finale at CSU. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025 Nashville was left reeling by a Messi hat trick in the regular season finale, while Miami also has bragging rights over Nashville after their 2023 Leagues Cup final thriller. Avi Creditor, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finale

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, noun derivative of finale, adjective, "last, final entry 1," going back to Latin fīnālis

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finale was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finale. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

finale

noun
fi·​na·​le fə-ˈnal-ē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnäl- How to pronounce finale (audio)
: the close or end of something (as a musical work)

More from Merriam-Webster on finale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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