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semiformal

American  
[sem-ee-fawr-muhl, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm iˈfɔr məl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

adjective

  1. partly formal; containing some formal elements.

    a semiformal occasion; semiformal attire.


Etymology

Origin of semiformal

First recorded in 1930–35; semi- + formal 1

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.

Thought leadership: This isn’t a term that most of us would use, even in semiformal conversation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

The dress code was originally billed as semiformal, but, in line with the casual attire of startups, was later revised to “business casual but feel free to dress it up!”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

White tie, black tie, black tie creative/festive, semiformal: It might take some extra re-entry energy to figure out these pre-pandemic guidelines in an exhausted world more used to sweats and sneakers.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 26, 2022

Dear Miss Manners: My brother and I went to a semiformal dinner where spaghetti was the main course.

From Washington Post • Aug. 16, 2022

The dance was billed as semiformal, and we weren’t exactly sure what that meant.

From "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

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