plural semifinals
: 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)
She played against a lesser-known rival in the (women's) semifinal.
—often pluralShe won in the quarterfinals but lost in the semifinals.
—often used before another nounthe semifinal round
semifinal teams
Cite this Entry
“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/semifinal. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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