semifinal

adjective semi·fi·nal \ ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl , ˌse-ˌmī- , -mi- \

Updated on: 12 May 2018

Definition of semifinal

1 : being next to the last in an elimination tournament

2 : of or participating in a semifinal

Recent Examples of semifinal from the Web

Coach Brett Brown has decided to go with his sharpshooters instead of the team’s defensive-minded players in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Celtics.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Sixers-Celtics Game 5 preview: A three spree would help Philly," 9 May 2018
But their take-home gift for Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinal series will have a familiar look.

— christopher dabe, NOLA.com, "See the shirt Warriors fans get for playoff games against Pelicans," 8 May 2018
Kanter's recruiting pitch doesn't exactly come at the best time for James, whose Cavs were getting set for Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series with the Toronto Raptors as the video was posted.

— aj neuharth-keusch, USA TODAY, "Enes Kanter issues challenge to LeBron James: 'Come and prove' you're King of New York," 7 May 2018
The Cleveland Cavaliers star dropped in a game-winning shot at the buzzer to give the Cavaliers a 105-103 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series Saturday.

— geoffrey c. arnold, OregonLive.com, "LeBron James latest game-winning buzzer-beater draws superlatives from Blazers CJ McCollum, other NBA stars on Twitter," 6 May 2018
Now, following their 101-98 overtime victory on Saturday, the Celtics are one win from sweeping the 76ers in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

— scott cacciola, New York Times, "Boston’s Al Horford Has Enough Experience for His Entire Team," 6 May 2018
Now, amid his team's Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Casey has been credited for that 2011 defensive stand by LeBron James for helping him raise his game -- much to Casey's consternation.

— ira winderman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Winderman: Riley v. NBA draft a troubling court case | Commentary," 5 May 2018
The emphasis put on the CCL, which included using available TAM funds on the likes of Gregory van der Wiel and Ager Aketxe and spending extra time in Mexico ahead of the quarterfinal and semifinal deciders, will be the MLS model going forward.

— grant wahl and brian straus, SI.com, "2018 MLS Ambition Rankings: Which Clubs Raise the Bar Highest as the League Grows?," 23 Apr. 2018
The quarterfinal, semifinal, third-place game and championship game will all be held Sunday.

— zach osterman, Indianapolis Star, "IU's Rob Johnson teams up with other Big Ten players to win $100,000 in 3-on-3 tournament," 28 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'semifinal.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of semifinal

1884

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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semifinal

noun semi·fi·nal \ ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl , ˈse-ˌmī- , -mi- \

Definition of semifinal

1 : a semifinal match

2 : a semifinal round

—

semifinalist

play \ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist, ˌse-ˌmī-, -mi-\ noun

See semifinal defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of semifinal from the Web

Three of his teams topped 30 victories, and his 2012-13 squad reached the Sweet 16 semifinals before falling to eventual state champion Madison Central.

— jason frakes, The Courier-Journal, "Male High School names Tim Haworth new boys basketball coach," 1 May 2018
The school, a basketball afterthought for most of its existence, has reached the state semifinals seven times since 1968, and five of those appearances have come in the last six years.

— joseph goodman, AL.com, "Black basketball families find equality, controversy in Mountain Brook," 1 May 2018
The next chore is getting out of Cincinnati which normally is every bit as difficult as reaching the state semifinals in Huntington Park.

— scott springer, Cincinnati.com, "Kings baseball steals home to gain postseason momentum, a win over tough Mason team," 1 May 2018
This marks the first time the Sixers have reached the conference semifinals since 2012.

— keith pompey, Philly.com, "Sixers could start Eastern Conference semifinals Saturday," 25 Apr. 2018
Crater won four league titles and reached the Class 5A playoff semifinals in 2015 during Beck's tenure.

— nick daschel, OregonLive.com, "Grant hires former Crater coach John Beck to lead football program," 23 Apr. 2018
Cox went on to reach the semifinals after upsetting Emerson, 31, who had only just turned pro but struggled with his footing and timing.

— christopher clarey, New York Times, "The Forgotten Home of Tennis’s Open Era," 22 Apr. 2018
Coleman played in 95 games at TCU, including 12 starts her senior season when the Frogs reached the WNIT semifinals.

— stefan stevenson, star-telegram, "'Blessed and grateful' TCU guard joining Australian professional league | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 19 Apr. 2018
Jenna Trewyn, Oak Creek: The sophomore catcher handled herself well behind the plate last season and drove in a school-record 55 runs in helping the Knights reach the state semifinals.

— mark stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Softball preview: Milwaukee-area rankings, top players and storylines to watch," 12 Apr. 2018

First Known Use of semifinal

1895

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

SEMIFINAL Defined for English Language Learners

semifinal

noun

Definition of semifinal for English Language Learners

: either one of two matches, games, or contests to decide which people or teams will be in the final part of a competition (such as a series of races or a tennis tournament)