semifinal

semi·fi·nal | \ ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl

How to pronounce semifinal (audio)

, ˌse-ˌmī-, -mi- \

Definition of semifinal

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : being next to the last in an elimination tournament

2 : of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal

semi·fi·nal | \ ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl

How to pronounce semifinal (audio)

, ˈse-ˌmī-, -mi- \

Definition of semifinal (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : a semifinal match

2 : a semifinal round

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Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective The Lady Bulldogs fell in the state semifinal round to Desoto. — Marcus Gutierrez, Houston Chronicle, "Sports: The top 10 highlights from Humble ISD athletics in 2019," 30 Dec. 2019 Kerr said of reseeding teams in the semifinal round. — Connor Letourneau, SFChronicle.com, "Warriors’ Steve Kerr ‘open minded’ about NBA’s proposed in-season tournament," 20 Dec. 2019 In the state semifinal round, Touray brought the Wildecats back from a one-goal deficit against county rival Mount Hebron with two goals in the last 15 minutes for a 2-1 win. — Glenn Graham, baltimoresun.com, "2019 All-Metro boys soccer Player of the Year: Ousman Touray, Wilde Lake," 13 Dec. 2019 Last year, the Falcons (12-2) advanced to the semifinal round against eventual champion Valdosta after a victory over Slippery Rock. — Branson Wright, cleveland, "Notre Dame College falls in quarterfinal round, 65-59, at Slippery Rock in Division II football playoffs," 7 Dec. 2019 More than 48,000 votes were cast for the statewide football player of the week following the AHSAA semifinal round of high school playoffs. — Dennis Victory, al, "See statewide high school football player of the week winner after playoff semifinals," 4 Dec. 2019 The Bucs, who last season advanced to the region semifinal round, got 14 points from Jordan Sears and 12 points from Taron Keith. — Jeff Gardenour, orlandosentinel.com, "OCP, Mainland win in Rotary Tip-Off basketball," 4 Dec. 2019 Valparaiso and Nevada will also meet in the semifinal round. — Fletcher Page, Cincinnati.com, "Cincinnati basketball avoids upset against Illinois State at Paradise Jam," 22 Nov. 2019 The Tigers, coached by Alcede Surtain, had a strong running game and earned a 6-0 win in the semifinal round. — Alex Kushel, sun-sentinel.com, "West Boynton Football League crowns Super Bowl champions," 22 Nov. 2019 Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Ohio State reached the College Football Playoff semifinals while always Ohio State wants to go into 2020 with a less precarious quarterback situation behind Fields. — Nathan Baird, cleveland, "Ohio State football’s quarterback room prepares for an offseason of growth," 17 Jan. 2020 After beating up on Clemson in the semifinals, the Tide were sparked by a halftime quarterback change and beat Georgia 26-23 in overtime on Tua Tagovailoa's game-winning touchdown pass. — Paul Myerberg, USA TODAY, "Ranking college football's national champions of the 2010s," 16 Jan. 2020 Nolan Turner, a safety for Clemson, who snatched the interception that clinched Clemson’s win over Ohio State in the playoff semifinal, rushed onto the field with his team soon after. — Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, "L.S.U.’s Spectacular Football National Championship," 14 Jan. 2020 Friday night semifinals at Southport: Lawrence North over Franklin Central and Lawrence Central over Pike in a pair of good matchups. — Kyle Neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Marion County tournament: Can Warren Central 3-peat? Will Lawrence North snap drought?," 13 Jan. 2020 Top-seed Serena Williams struggled with a swirling breeze before beating Germany’s Laura Siegemund, 6-4, 6-3, Friday to reach the semifinals of the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand. — BostonGlobe.com, "Collin Morikawa handles wind to grab Sony Open lead," 10 Jan. 2020 Putting it all on the line' Better known by some for his on-court misdemeanors than title wins, Kyrgios is currently competing in the ATP Cup and has helped Australia reach the semifinals of the inaugural tournament. — Aimee Lewis, CNN, "Tennis star Nick Kyrgios criticizes Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for 'slow' wildfires response," 9 Jan. 2020 The District 6-5A Division I defensive MVP had eight sacks, 11 tackles for loss and 16 quarterback pressures for an 11-2 team that reached the regional semifinals. — Joseph Hoyt, Dallas News, "SportsDayHS 2019 all-area football teams: See full first- and second-teams for defense, offense," 9 Jan. 2020 The stats: Had 19 goals and 14 assists to help the Wildcats reach the Division 1 state semifinals. — Keith Dunlap, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Free Press Sports Awards: Meet the boys soccer nominees," 6 Jan. 2020

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.

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Last Updated

5 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 25 January 2020.

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More Definitions for semifinal

semifinal

noun

English Language Learners Definition of semifinal

: 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)

See the full definition for semifinal in the English Language Learners Dictionary

semifinal

semi·fi·nal | \ ˈse-mi-ˌfī-nᵊl

\

Kids Definition of semifinal

: a match or game coming before the final round in a tournament

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WORD OF THE DAY

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dull or mediocre

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