semifinal

American

[sem-ee-fahyn-l, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈfaɪn l, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

of or relating to the round preceding the final one in a tournament from which losers are eliminated.
(in boxing) of or relating to the second most important bout on a card, usually immediately preceding the main bout.

noun

a semifinal contest or round.
(in boxing) the second most important bout on a card.

semifinal British

/ ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl /

noun

1. the round before the final in a competition
2. ( as modifier )
  
  the semifinal draw

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of semifinal

First recorded in 1880–85; semi- + final

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both teams lost in the Open Division semifinals last winter and were the preseason favorites to play for the title this season.

From Los Angeles Times

Emails alleging violations started arriving to City Section commissioner Vicky Lagos before the semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times

South East reached the Open Division final after beating Marquez in the semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times

When Bodø reached the semifinal of the second-tier Europa League last season, it was the deepest ever run by a Norwegian team in a European competition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Reed, the talented freshman, had 29 points Saturday in the semifinals.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023