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
Examples of semifinal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Johnny Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
When the puck finally dropped on the fifth and deciding game of the semifinal series, Minnesota came out flying with yet another quick start, pinning Montreal into its own zone for most of the opening 10 minutes.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The event, which is coordinated by the CIAC, even though girls flag football is not classified as an official CIAC sport, will start Thursday at various sites around the state and run through the weekend of May 30-31, when the semifinals and championship game will take place.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
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Adjective
Grayson DeMartino had a home run for East Ridge in a region semifinal softball win.
—Johnny Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 May 2026
When the puck finally dropped on the fifth and deciding game of the semifinal series, Minnesota came out flying with yet another quick start, pinning Montreal into its own zone for most of the opening 10 minutes.
—Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Noun
The Highlanders now get a rematch against West Valley League rival El Camino Real in the semifinals on Wednesday at Cal State Northridge, with the winner advancing to the championship game at Dodger Stadium on May 23.
—Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
The event, which is coordinated by the CIAC, even though girls flag football is not classified as an official CIAC sport, will start Thursday at various sites around the state and run through the weekend of May 30-31, when the semifinals and championship game will take place.
—Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for semifinal
Cite this Entry
“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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