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. 1. the round before the final in a competition

   2. ( as modifier )

      the semifinal draw

---

Etymology

Origin of semifinal

First recorded in 1880–85; semi- + final

Example Sentences

Arizona will play some night school from Ann Arbor in the other semifinal.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

Suryavanshi made 72, 40, 52 and 30 in the league phase as India qualified for the knockouts, and then climbed into Afghanistan in the semifinal with a 33-ball 68.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

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 • Mar. 19, 2026

More Americans watched the U.S.-Dominican Republic semifinal than watched last year’s NBA All-Star Game, according to Fox.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

The semifinal match did not start out well.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad