finale

noun

fi·​na·​le fə-ˈna-lē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnä- How to pronounce finale (audio)
Synonyms of finalenext
: the close or termination of something: such as
a
: the last section of an instrumental musical composition
the symphony's finale
b
: the closing part, scene, or number in a public performance
the finale of the ballet
In the finale, the singer sang an Italian classic.
c
: the last and often climactic event or item in a sequence
the TV show's season finale

Synonyms of finale

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Examples of finale in a Sentence

She sung a very difficult song for the finale. the finale to the festivities was a grand display of fireworks
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
New episodes will be released weekly through the finale on August 26. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 8 July 2026 In the season finale, which was released Wednesday, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady joined the show. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 8 July 2026 The word-of-mouth buzz around the series, which premiered in April, intensified each week leading up to its finale last month and prompted chatter around its prospects as a major Emmys contender. — Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 As the day winds down, there’s no better finale than a sunset supper on the deck at Hello, Sailor, the Kindreds’ playful take on a classic North Carolina fish camp. — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for finale

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Italian, noun derivative of finale, adjective, "last, final entry 1," going back to Latin fīnālis

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finale was in 1774

Phrases Containing finale

Rhymes for finale

See All Rhymes for finale

Browse Nearby Words

final drive
finale
final edition
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Cite this Entry

“Finale.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finale. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

finale

noun
fi·​na·​le fə-ˈnal-ē How to pronounce finale (audio) fi-ˈnäl- How to pronounce finale (audio)
: the close or end of something (as a musical work)

More from Merriam-Webster on finale

Nglish: Translation of finale for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about finale

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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