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.
As the box hurtles toward its finale — the complete recording of his fall 1963 Carnegie Hall concert, which cemented his stature — Dylan’s feel for traditional songs grows deeper, and the growth in his own songwriting, so quickly, remains astounding. David Browne, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2025 As La Jolla’s three high school football teams head into their regular-season finales this week, The Bishop’s School and La Jolla High School will try to rebound from tough losses, while La Jolla Country Day School aims to keep up its recent momentum. La Jolla Light, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Oct. 2025 The Tigers’ remaining games include a trip to Alabama, Arkansas and Western Kentucky at home and Thanksgiving weekend finale at Oklahoma. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025 Mahomes played behind veteran Alex Smith that season, starting just one game (the season finale at Denver) as a rookie. Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 25 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 28 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

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