Definition

Noun: The last segment or division of a game's scheduled playing time. This term is used primarily in sports with timed periods (such as basketball, hockey, or American football) to denote the concluding segment of regulation play.

Usage

The term "final period" is used to specifically refer to the last chronological segment of a game's standard duration. It is a neutral, descriptive term common in sports commentary and reporting.

Examples

• The home team scored 15 points in the final period to secure the victory.
• Entering the final period, the score was tied, setting up an exciting finish.
• A key defensive stop in the final period changed the momentum of the game.

Advanced Usage

• "down to the final period": Used to emphasize that a game's outcome will be decided in the last segment.
  • With the score so close, it's all going to come down to the final period.
• "late in the final period": Specifies an action occurring near the very end of the game.
  • The winning goal was scored late in the final period.

Variants and Related Words

• Fourth Quarter: In many sports divided into four parts (e.g., basketball, American football), the "fourth quarter" is synonymous with the "final period."
• Third Period: In ice hockey, the last of three regulation periods.
• Final Quarter: A less common but understandable synonym.
• Overtime/Extra Time: These terms refer to additional playing time added the final period if the game is tied.

Synonyms

• Last period
• Closing period
• Final quarter (context-dependent)

Antonyms

• Opening period
• First period
• Initial quarter

Noun

1. the final division into which the play of a game is divided