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

Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, along with Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten and Frank Gore have reached the semifinal stage for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.

From Los Angeles Times

A look at the top performers from high school football games across the Southland during the semifinals of the playoffs on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

Last week in the Division 3 semifinal against Edison, Rakowski dove for a fumbled ball, trapping and breaking his right thumb in the process.

From Los Angeles Times

Two days after Turner’s disappearance, the Bears improved to 12-0 with a victory in a regional semifinal game.

From Los Angeles Times

They lost the second one, falling to the shorthanded Vancouver Whitecaps in a Western Conference semifinal that had more plot twists than an Agatha Christie mystery.

From Los Angeles Times