English Reference

Word

finale

Phoneticsfi·nale

US/fəˈnæɫi/

UK/fɪnˈɑːli/

Definitions

01performance/music

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Music

n. the last part of a show or a piece of music, often played with a lot of energy.

n. the concluding movement of a musical work or the final scene of a performance, often characterised by increased intensity or a full ensemble.

“The orchestra played a fast, exciting finale that made the audience stand up and cheer.”

“The opera reached its emotional peak during the grand finale, where the entire cast returned to the stage for a final, powerful chorus.”

02narrative/series

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the final episode of a TV show or the last book in a series that finishes the story.

n. the chronological conclusion of a narrative arc, particularly in television series or multi-volume literary works.

“Millions of people watched the series finale to see how the story finally ended.”

“Fans debated the controversial series finale for weeks, arguing over whether the protagonist's fate was a fitting end to the decade-long saga.”

Synonyms

finishresolutiondenouement

Antonyms

03event/celebration

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. the impressive end to a public event, like a fireworks show.

n. the spectacular or climactic end to a public event or sequence of celebrations.

“The festival ended with a spectacular fireworks finale over the lake.”

“The charity gala concluded with a surprise musical finale, serving as a celebratory thank-you to the donors who had supported the cause throughout the year.”

Real-World Examples

“My favourite song was A True, True Friend from the season three finale.”
The Guardian 3 Oct 2026
“This was a pre-season finale to forget for Manchester United.”
BBC News 15 Aug 2026

Etymology

From Italian finale (“ending”), from Late Latin fīnālis, from Latin fīnis (“end; boundary, limit”). Doublet of final.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Common
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference