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

Example Sentences

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 U.S. is the favorite to win the World Baseball Classic championship, but the team is still trying to execute “a complete game” after semifinal win.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Stan lost a closely fought semifinal match to the Argentinian, Guillermo Vilas, but he and Lutz handily won the doubles crown.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane