# quarterfinal

/kwˈɔːtəfˌaɪnəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quarterfinal
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the round of a competition where only the top four players or teams remain. It is the third stage of a tournament before the final match.

For teachers: a stage in a tournament where the field is reduced to four competitors or teams. It is the third round of a single-elimination bracket.

## Examples

- The team won their quarterfinal match easily.
- After winning the quarterfinal, the team faced their toughest opponent yet in the semifinals.
- The athlete's performance in the quarterfinal was a masterclass in tactical patience, allowing her to conserve energy for the high-stakes final.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.