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
The senior captain threw four touchdown passes — two each to Adelaida Ibanez-Eddy and Sara Gonzalez — and rushed for 25 yards in the Pilots’ 33-25 semifinal triumph at Eagle Rock, setting up an All-Marine League final against San Pedro at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at Crenshaw High. Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Maher has to slow things down for her next semifinal dance. Katie Campione, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Noun
The tournament will use a double-elimination format until the semifinals. Danny Davis, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024 Audiences are clearly chomping at the bit to see which of the five remaining stars will take home this year’s mirrorball trophy, because Tuesday night’s semifinals grew over the 500th episode celebration the week prior to reach a season-high 5.2M same-day viewers, according to Nielsen data. Katie Campione, Deadline, 21 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near semifinal

Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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