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

Her semifinal time of 2:06.41 was .82 seconds ahead of next fastest qualifier Phoebe Bacan. —Paul Newberry, Twin Cities, 20 June 2024

Any reconfiguration of the schedule that doesn’t feature six quarterfinal and semifinal games in early January would risk alienating the six major bowls (Rose, Sugar, Fiesta, Orange, Cotton and Peach) at the heart of the current system. —Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024

Noun

In the semifinals heat, the Texas native finished with a time of 10.86 seconds to advance to Saturday’s final. —Homero De La Fuente, CNN, 23 June 2024

Already assured of her third Olympics as a member the 4×100 free relay, Manuel advanced to the 50 freestyle final on Sunday with the fourth-fastest time in Saturday night’s semifinals (24.51). —Paul Newberry, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 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