# semis

/ˈsɛmaɪz/ (US) · /sˈɛmiz/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/semis
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the games or matches that happen just before the final. The winners of these games go on to play for the championship.

For teachers: the penultimate round of a competition, determining which participants will advance to the final match or event.

## Examples

- Our team won their game and reached the semis.
- After a grueling tournament, only four players remained to compete in the tennis semis on Friday afternoon.
- The atmosphere in the stadium reached a fever pitch during the semis, as both teams realized that a single mistake could end their championship dreams.

## Usage notes

- Informal shortening of 'semifinals'. Usually plural in sports contexts, though 'semi' can be used for a single match.

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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.