English Reference
noun

finale

n.
US /fəˈnæɫi/ UK /fɪnˈɑːli/ fi·nale UK spelling finales

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Music

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    finishresolutiondenouement
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

This was a pre-season finale to forget for Manchester United.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

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
Origin Latin fīnis
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated