semifinal

1 of 2

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 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
Mayo, who had 25 points in KU’s alumni bracket semifinal win over Wichita State on Monday, scored 12 points on 4-of-14 shooting. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026 The side has also failed to reach the semifinal stage of the European Championship in its last two attempts. — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
Noun
The Big Ten has won three consecutive College Football Playoff championships, sent six programs to the CFP semifinals during that span and won 22 postseason games in the two-year 12-team CFP era. — The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 31 July 2026 Kansas avenged the Duke loss with a 66-59 win in the 1988 NCAA Final Four semifinals in Kansas City. — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 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

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 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of semifinal for Spanish Speakers

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