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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.


noun

  1. a semifinal contest or round.

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

semifinal British  
/ ˌsɛmɪˈfaɪnəl /

noun

    1. the round before the final in a competition

    2. ( as modifier )

      the semifinal draw

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of semifinal

First recorded in 1880–85; semi- + final

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The lighter schedule meant he was fresh enough to outlast Sinner in their five-set semifinal epic.

From The Wall Street Journal

They advance to play top-seeded Sierra Canyon on Tuesday in a Mission League tournament semifinal.

From Los Angeles Times

In the Rising Stars mini-tournament, Team A will face Team B in the first semifinal and Team C will play Team D in the second semifinal.

From Los Angeles Times

Boise State also forfeited its conference tournament semifinal match to the Spartans.

From Los Angeles Times

Boston had been marked for a disastrous campaign ever since last year’s conference semifinals against the New York Knicks.

From The Wall Street Journal