semiformal

American  

[sem-ee-fawr-muhl, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈfɔr məl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

1. partly formal; containing some formal elements.

   a semiformal occasion; semiformal attire.

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Etymology

Origin of semiformal

First recorded in 1930–35; semi- + formal ¹

Example Sentences

Thought leadership: This isn’t a term that most of us would use, even in semiformal conversation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The dress code was originally billed as semiformal, but, in line with the casual attire of startups, was later revised to “business casual but feel free to dress it up!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2023

SAT Auction, dinner, dessert, wine; semiformal, Harlequin costumes suggested, proceeds help provides gifts and necessities during the holidays to local low-income children; 6:30 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 6, 2019

The dance was billed as semiformal, and we weren’t exactly sure what that meant.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer