semifinal

American  

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

adjective

1. of or relating to the round preceding the final one in a tournament from which losers are eliminated.

2. (in boxing) of or relating to the second most important bout on a card, usually immediately preceding the main bout.

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noun

1. a semifinal contest or round.

2. (in boxing) the second most important bout on a card.

semifinal British  

/ ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl /

noun

1. 1. the round before the final in a competition

   2. ( as modifier )

      the semifinal draw

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Etymology

Origin of semifinal

First recorded in 1880–85; semi- + final

Explanation

In sports, a semifinal is the next-to the last game (or series of games) in a big tournament. In a semifinal, four teams or players compete against each other for a spot in the final round. Professional sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball — as well as competitive activities including poker and debate — have a series of elimination rounds before a winner is declared. The very last of those playoff games is the semifinal, a word that was coined in the 1860s from the Latin semi, "half," and final, whose Latin root means "end." The round before the semifinal, in which eight teams play, is called a quarterfinal.

Example Sentences

A year later, when my club team Everton reached the semifinal of a major tournament, I was unable to find a single cable channel carrying the game.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

In Melbourne, Sinner struggled with cramps in 100-degree heat throughout the tournament before falling in a four-hour semifinal battle against Novak Djokovic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Jacob Melendez hit a two-run home run and got the save in Norco’s semifinal win over Notre Dame.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

They had used their two best pitchers in a 10-inning semifinal win over top-seeded Sylmar.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

Almost in spite of their terrible mascot name, our section semifinal opponents—the Castleberry Crabs—are good.

From "Fast Pitch" by Nic Stone