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semiformal

American

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

adjective

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

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

From Washington Post • Aug. 16, 2022

SAT Dance to waltzes, jigs, swing and more with live music, dance performances, dessert buffet, no-host bar; festive semiformal to formal holiday wear, 8 p.m.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 1, 2016

“This is what you wear for an eighth grade semiformal dance.”

From "The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street" by Karina Yan Glaser

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023