semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

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

semifinal

2 of 2

noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl 

ˈse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

1

: a semifinal match

2

: a semifinal round

semifinalist

ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist 

ˌse-ˌmī-, 

-mi-

noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The decisions centered around the dates for quarterfinal and semifinal games, as well as the move to push the championship game back to even further in January has drawn some backlash. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 6 Feb. 2026

Webb leaves his post with an overall career record of 179-91 and three state semifinal appearances. —Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026

Noun

After going 14-1 and reaching the 6A Division II state semifinals this year, Carroll will be loaded with talent in 2026 and should be a state title contender once again. —Greg Riddle, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026

The sophomore forward has been a big spark for the Mighty Macs, including Thursday’s 65-55 win over Providence in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals at Loyola in Wilmette. —Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for semifinal

• anticlinal
• entorhinal
• isoclinal
• polyvinyl
• transvaginal
• affinal
• anginal
• synclinal
• vaginal
• final
• pinal
• spinal

Kids 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

semifinal

2 of 2 noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈsem-i-ˌfīn-ᵊl 

: a semifinal match or game

semifinalist

ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst 

noun