semifinal

[sem-ee-fahyn-l, sem-ahy-]

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.

noun

1. a semifinal contest or round.

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

semifinal

/ ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl /

noun

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

   2. ( as modifier )

      the semifinal draw

Word History and Origins

Origin of semifinal¹

First recorded in 1880–85; semi- + final

Example Sentences

Cleveland will play the winner of Friday’s other semifinal game between Marshall and host San Fernando in the championship game on Nov. 28.

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South Gate wants to play its semifinal playoff game on Saturday so badly at home that it’s broken out a tarp so the City Section officials can’t deem it unplayable after expected rain Thursday night.

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It’s semifinal week in high school football playoffs.

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Now the Condors are in the City Section Division III semifinals against top-seeded Santee on Friday.

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Sierra Canyon faced a familiar foe Saturday night in the Southern California Regional Open Division girls’ volleyball semifinals in Chatsworth.

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