semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl 

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 

ˈse-ˌmī-,

-mi-

1

: a semifinal match

2

: a semifinal round

semifinalist

ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist 

ˌse-ˌmī-

-mi-

noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Collegiate’s boys soccer team and South Oldham’s girls soccer team each qualified for next week’s state semifinal matches. —Rich Barak, The Courier-Journal, 25 Oct. 2024

When/where: 7:30 p.m. Friday at Trailblazer Stadium Last meeting: Lutheran 27, at Green Mountain 21, Nov. 25, 2023 In a rematch of a 3A state semifinal clash won by Lutheran last November, the Lions and Rams get one last chance to make a statement before getting into league play. —Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 2 Oct. 2024

Noun

Taylor Roloff, Encinal volleyball: The Jets standout had a fantastic match in the NCS Division IV semifinals, finishing with 27 kills, two assists and two blocks. —Joseph Dycus, The Mercury News, 14 Nov. 2024

Mater Dei reached the Open Division semifinals last season and finished 25-8. —Dan Albano, Orange County Register, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

semifinal

1 of 2 adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl 

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 

: a semifinal match or game

semifinalist

ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst 

noun