semiformal
adjective
semi·for·mal
ˌse-mē-ˈfȯr-məl 
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: being or suitable for an occasion of moderate formality
a semiformal dinner
semiformal gowns
Examples of semiformal in a Sentence
She wore a semiformal gown to the wedding.
Recent Examples on the Web
With its corset bodice and mermaid style, this dress is a showstopper for formal and semiformal weddings alike.
—
Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
For her appearance on the Today show in New York City, Victoria Beckham demonstrated the absolute chicest way to update one's semiformal wardrobe for fall.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2022
Attire for the Masquerade Ball is semiformal with costume masks suggested.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022
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Jené Luciani Sena, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Research from the wedding website the Knot, which surveyed almost 10,000 U.S. couples who got married in 2023, showed that 62 percent of couples opted for a semiformal wedding, while 54 described theirs as romantic and/or fun.
—Tim Ryan, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
These security officials developed a thick web of diplomatic channels, including working groups and other semiformal contacts, to smooth over their different regulatory approaches.
—Henry Farrell, Foreign Affairs, 9 July 2013
Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts.
—Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023
If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit.
—Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023
Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.
—Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023
For her appearance on the Today show in New York City, Victoria Beckham demonstrated the absolute chicest way to update one's semiformal wardrobe for fall.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2022
Attire for the Masquerade Ball is semiformal with costume masks suggested.
—Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiformal. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
semiformal
adjective
semi·for·mal
ˌsem-i-ˈfȯr-məl
ˌsem-ˌī-
: being or suitable for an event that is not too formal
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