semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
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 How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˈse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
1
: a semifinal match
2
: a semifinal round
semifinalist
ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Adjective
Indiana will next face off against the winner of the New York Knicks-Boston Celtics semifinal series, which New York currently leads 3-2 after a surprise 127-102 Boston home blowout on Wednesday night. Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025 Tim Duncan has 37 points and 16 rebounds, and Tony Parker adds 27 points to help the San Antonio Spurs overpower the Lakers 110-82 to win the Western Conference semifinal series 4-2. 2004 — With one breathtaking surge, Smarty Jones posts a record 11½-length victory in the Preakness. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
Throughout the semifinals, the Charge have been at their best in the third period, with five of their seven goals scored in the final frame. Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 17 May 2025 Timothée Chalamet, the A-list actor and New York native who was courtside throughout the Eastern Conference semifinals, was spotted celebrating with fellow Knicks fans after the victory. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for semifinal

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semifinal was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

semifinal

1 of 2 adjective
semi·​fi·​nal ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
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 How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
: a semifinal match or game
semifinalist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

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