Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stage in a knockout tournament: A "quarterfinal" is one of the four matches in a knockout competition (like a sports tournament) that determines which competitors will advance to the semifinal round. The winners of the quarterfinal matches proceed to the next stage.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The team played exceptionally well to reach the quarterfinal.
  • All four quarterfinals will be held at the national stadium this weekend.
  • She won her quarterfinal match in straight sets.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the quarterfinals": to have qualified for or to be participating in this stage of a tournament.
  • After a surprising victory, the underdog team is now in the quarterfinals.
• "quarterfinal stage/round": used to specify this particular phase of a competition.
  • The tournament enters its quarterfinal stage tomorrow.

Variants and Related Words

• Quarterfinalist (n): a player or team that has reached the quarterfinal stage.
  • All eight quarterfinalists are highly ranked players.

Synonyms

• Last eight (informal, often used in sports journalism): Refers to the eight competitors or teams remaining at the quarterfinal stage.
• Elite eight (informal, especially in US sports): Another term for the final eight competitors.

Related Phrases

• "to advance to the quarterfinals": to win the previous match and qualify for this round.
  • They need to win this game to advance to the quarterfinals.
• "quarterfinal berth": a secured place or spot in the quarterfinal round.
  • The victory guaranteed them a quarterfinal berth.

Noun

1. one of the four competitions in an elimination tournament whose winners go on to play in the semifinals