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

Example Sentences

Corona del Mar edged Loyola in the Best of the West semifinals March 7, but Loyola turned the tables on the Sea Kings in nonleague action.

From Los Angeles Times

It put Biblical Studies into a tournament semifinal against Champion Christian, a No. 1 powerhouse, ranked atop the entire NCCAA.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the semifinal and final, the U.S. combined to bat .159 and strike out 25 times, and every run came on a home run.

From Los Angeles Times

The U.S. is the favorite to win the World Baseball Classic championship, but the team is still trying to execute “a complete game” after semifinal win.

From Los Angeles Times

Skenes was forced to pitch in the semifinal instead of the final in order to stay in line to start on opening day for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

From The Wall Street Journal