ˌse-mē,
-ˌmī,
-mi
1
a
: precisely half of:
(1)
: forming a bisection of
semicircle
(2)
: being a usually vertically bisected form of (a specified architectural feature)
semidome
b
: half in quantity or value : half of or occurring halfway through a specified period of time
semiannual
semimonthly
compare bi-
3
a
: partial : incomplete
semiconsciousness
semidarkness
b
: having some of the characteristics of
semiporcelain
c
: quasi-
semigovernmental
semimonastic
Examples of semi in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Jan. 2026
Salah hasn’t always played with the strongest of squads, but his performances and goals were important in reaching the finals in 2017 and 2021, and the semi-finals this time around.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The semi became stuck because of an oversized load, according to a LENSAlert Traffic Advisory.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The driver of the semi remained on scene after the accident and is cooperating with investigators, the statement said.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semi
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.
Noun
On Christmas Eve 2024, a man showed up at his house, parked a semi-trailer in front and posted his address online.
—Cate Charron, IndyStar, 15 Jan. 2026
Salah hasn’t always played with the strongest of squads, but his performances and goals were important in reaching the finals in 2017 and 2021, and the semi-finals this time around.
—Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The semi became stuck because of an oversized load, according to a LENSAlert Traffic Advisory.
—Lillian Metzmeier, Louisville Courier Journal, 13 Jan. 2026
The driver of the semi remained on scene after the accident and is cooperating with investigators, the statement said.
—Elissa Jorgensen, Dallas Morning News, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for semi
Cite this Entry
“Semi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semi. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
