finalist

noun

fi·​nal·​ist ˈfī-nə-list How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: 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
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.
Tiago beat out more than 15 million hopeful players competing in the in-game tournament to join the 10 finalists in the live event. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 25 June 2025 In keeping with the first two editions, the Afro Fashion Association, which boasts a database of more than 3,000 professionals based in Italy, has shortlisted 22 finalists competing for one of the 10 prizes across the five categories: culture, legacy, creativity, community and entrepreneurship. Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 Atomix will team up with Casa Playa, where chef Sarah Thompson was a 2025 James Beard finalist, for a dinner that traces flavors through Korea and Mexico's Yucatán. David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2025 The finalists will be announced 3 p.m. Thursday on MLB Network. Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for finalist

Word History

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finalist was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Finalist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finalist. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

finalist

noun
fi·​nal·​ist ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce finalist (audio)
: a contestant in the finals of a competition

More from Merriam-Webster on finalist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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