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

Explanation

In sports, a semifinal is the next-to the last game (or series of games) in a big tournament. In a semifinal, four teams or players compete against each other for a spot in the final round. Professional sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball — as well as competitive activities including poker and debate — have a series of elimination rounds before a winner is declared. The very last of those playoff games is the semifinal, a word that was coined in the 1860s from the Latin semi, "half," and final, whose Latin root means "end." The round before the semifinal, in which eight teams play, is called a quarterfinal.

Example Sentences

At Carson, the Colts came away with a 12-2 semifinal win over Birmingham.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

On Wednesday, both teams won their semifinal games.

From Los Angeles Times • May 28, 2026

In Melbourne, Sinner struggled with cramps in 100-degree heat throughout the tournament before falling in a four-hour semifinal battle against Novak Djokovic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Whittier Christian 11, St. Paul 8: A grand slam by Danni Lopez in the seventh powered the Heralds to victory in a Division 2 semifinal game.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

I advanced through to the finals and found myself facing off against Mariel in a semifinal round to determine who would fence for gold against the Ukraine’s Olga Kharlan.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad