photo finish

noun

1
: a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner
2
: a close contest

Examples of photo finish in a Sentence

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.
Sometimes, awards voting can be a photo finish. Daniel R. Epstein, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 What followed was a nitpicking, photo finish of a taste test. Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Aug. 2025 James Comey, in a photo finish with a grand jury, was swooning over and quoting Taylor Swift. Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 20 Aug. 2025 If your dad’s idea of a great day involves photo finishes and premium BBQ, Santa Anita Park has a full lineup of experiences to match—from trackside feasts to whiskey tastings. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 10 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for photo finish

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photo finish was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Photo finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photo%20finish. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

photo finish

noun
1
: a finish of a race in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them crossing the finish line has to be examined to decide the winner
2
: a close contest (as in an election)

More from Merriam-Webster on photo finish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!