playoffs
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈpɫeɪˌɔfs// UK //plˈeɪɒfs// play·offs
n. a series of games played at the end of a sports season to decide which team is the champion. Only the best teams from the regular season get to play in them.
n. a series of contests played after the regular season by top-ranking teams to determine the overall winner of a league or tournament.
The team needs one more win to reach the playoffs.
After finishing the season with a perfect record, the local basketball team entered the playoffs as the top seed.
The intensity of the playoffs often exceeds that of the regular season, as every match becomes a high-stakes elimination game where a single mistake can end a team's championship hopes.
Usage
Usually used in the plural form when referring to the entire tournament or series of games.