finalist

American  

[fahyn-l-ist] / ˈfaɪn l ɪst /

noun

1. a person entitled to participate in the final or decisive contest in a series, as in musical or athletic competition.

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finalist British  

/ ˈfaɪnəlɪst /

noun

1. a contestant who has reached the last and decisive stage of a sports or other competition

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Etymology

Origin of finalist

First recorded in 1895–1900; final + -ist

Example Sentences

The world finalists are just two of growing number of younger players starting to make an impact in the sport.

From BBC

The temperamental 2022 Wimbledon finalist, one of tennis's most dynamic players when at the top of his game, makes his comeback at the season-opening Brisbane International.

From Barron's

This finalist for Oxford’s 2025 Word of the Year denotes the “cultivation of an impressive, attractive, or charismatic persona.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Littler, who was a beaten finalist on debut two years ago, was agitated throughout the game and visibly raised his level to devastating effect in set three after Cross levelled at 1-1.

From BBC

The former World Matchplay finalist eventually earned his first leg of the match in the third set, but Littler ensured his record of not dropping a set in this tournament would remain intact.

From BBC