semifinal

1 of 3

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-, 
-mi-
Synonyms of semifinalnext
1
: being next to the last in an elimination tournament
2
: of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 3

noun (1)

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

semifinalist

3 of 3

noun (2)

semi·​finalist "+ How to pronounce semifinalist (audio)
: any of the contestants who meet in the semifinal round or heat of an elimination contest

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
And in 2012, prior to beating Denver South 17-14 at the Broncos’ stadium, Monarch used a slow-tempo offense and a successful onside kick to possess the ball for the entire fourth quarter in a 14-6 semifinal win over Pueblo West. — Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 27 Aug. 2026 The streak began after the Wildcats lost a tight 3-2 region semifinal match to Hagerty in 2022. — Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
In the recent World Cup, Argentina beat archrival England 2-1 in the semifinals. — ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026 Reaching the semifinal at Wimbledon in July also gave Djokovic hope of one day winning that record-breaking 25th major singles title. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for semifinal

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

semifinal + -ist

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (1)

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semifinal was in 1884

Rhymes for semifinal

See All Rhymes for semifinal

Browse Nearby Words

semifeudal
semifinal
semifinalist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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
ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl-əst How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for semifinal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All