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
West Chicago 54, Oswego 53 GCAC TOURNAMENT Championship Bracket Loyola 51, Providence 23, semifinal Aurora Central Catholic 63, DePaul Prep 56 Montini 58, Mother McAuley 44 Consolation Bracket St. Laurence 44, IC Catholic 29, semifinal St. Laurence (11-18): Sienna Randall 17 points. Josh Krockey, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2025 Section semifinal play will be held March 9 at the site of the high seed. Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
Noun
One regular-season game remains before St. Charles East opens at 6 p.m. next Tuesday in the Willowbrook Regional semifinals. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025 Instead of having state semifinals and finals, there are now only championship games. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Feb. 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

Dictionary Entries Near semifinal

Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 19 Feb. 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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