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noun Common

finale

fih-NAH-lee

Finale (noun) means the grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series. Example: “Fireworks lit up the sky during the concert's finale.”

noun
1
The grand concluding part of a performance, event, or series.
"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 notes

In 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

Word forms

finales plural

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Test yourself on “finale” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Fireworks lit up the sky during the concert's _____.

Etymology

From Italian finale ("ending"), from Latin finis.

Origin: Latin

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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