Quarterfinals
ˈkwɔːtərˌfaɪnəlz
Definitions
The second-to-last stage in a tournament or competition before the semifinals.
ˈkwɔːtərˌfaɪnəlz
The round of competition before the semifinals.
The soccer team was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big sports tournament. Quarterfinals are like the round where there are only a few teams left, and they're all trying to get to the very end.
👶 For kids: Quarterfinals is like a game where you have to win a few times to get to the end. The teams are trying to get to the final game.
More Examples
The tournament's quarterfinals will be held next week.
He scored the winning goal in the quarterfinals.
How It's Used
"The team advanced to the quarterfinals after a hard-fought victory."
"The applicants were narrowed down in the quarterfinals."
From 'quarter' (one-fourth) + 'final' (the ultimate competition), referring to the round of competition that precedes the semifinals and final rounds.
The term 'quarterfinals' and its derivatives have been used since the late 19th and early 20th centuries to describe the elimination rounds in various sporting events and competitions.
Memory tip
Think of a quarter of the competition remaining before the end.