noun
Common
finale
fih-NAH-lee
Finale (noun) means the grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series. Example: “The whole choir joined in for the finale, and the audience stood up and cheered.”
noun
1
The grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series.
"The whole choir joined in for the finale, and the audience stood up and cheered."
"Fireworks lit up the sky during the concert's finale."
"Fans had mixed feelings about the show's series finale."
How to use finale
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe big, closing moment of something — a concert, season, or event.
Common mistake
Don't confuse the noun "finale" (the ending itself) with the adjective "final" (describing something as last).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
grand finale
season finale
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Word forms
- Plural
- finales
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The whole choir joined in for the _____, and the audience stood up and cheered.
Etymology
From Italian finale ("ending"), from Latin finis.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for finale
See all rhymes for finale →Frequently asked questions
What does “finale” mean?
The word “finale” means the grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series. In plain terms, the big, closing moment of something — a concert, season, or event.
How do you pronounce “finale”?
“Finale” is pronounced fih-NAH-lee (/fəˈnɑli in IPA).
How do you use “finale” in a sentence?
Here is “finale” used in a sentence: “Fireworks lit up the sky during the concert's finale.”
What is the opposite of “finale”?
The opposite of “finale” — its antonyms — is premiere.
What part of speech is “finale”?
“Finale” is a noun.
Where does the word “finale” come from?
The word “finale” comes from Latin. From Italian finale ("ending"), from Latin finis.
Is “finale” a common word?
“Finale” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between finale and final?
Final works as an adjective meaning last, as in "the final chapter," or as a noun for a deciding match or end-of-term exam. Finale is always a noun and refers to the grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series, such as a concert's closing number.
What is the difference between a season finale and a series finale?
A season finale is the last episode of one season of a show that is expected to continue, while a series finale is the last episode of the entire show. Note that in British usage "series" can mean a single season, so context matters.
What is the opposite of a finale?
The opposite of a finale is the opening section of a performance or series, called an opener, overture, or premiere depending on context. An overture begins a musical or opera, while a premiere is the first public showing of a work or the first episode of a season.
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