semiformal

adjective

semi·​for·​mal ˌse-mē-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce semiformal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-,
-mi-
: being or suitable for an occasion of moderate formality
a semiformal dinner
semiformal gowns

Examples of semiformal in a Sentence

She wore a semiformal gown to the wedding.
Recent Examples on the Web Worried they might be barred from the semiformal event, Pettigrew donned a jacket and Friedman wore a button-up shirt to cover their T-shirts. Samantha Hernandez, USA TODAY, 5 May 2023 If the invite specifies semiformal or cocktail attire, go for a dreamy puff-sleeve maxi or an ornate lace mini with a slightly relaxed fit. Sam Peters, harpersbazaar.com, 17 May 2023 Close your eyes for a moment and think of a person wearing head-to-toe white in a room full of others clad in semiformal attire. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 8 Feb. 2023 For her appearance on the Today show in New York City, Victoria Beckham demonstrated the absolute chicest way to update one's semiformal wardrobe for fall. Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 14 Oct. 2022 Attire for the Masquerade Ball is semiformal with costume masks suggested. Jessi Virtusio, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2022 My husband’s sister has decided to throw their mother a semiformal dinner party to celebrate her milestone birthday. Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2022 The classic semiformal hanbok worn today, made from fine silk and ramie in an array of colors, is largely derived from styles worn by royalty and upper classes in the late Joseon era. New York Times, 9 Apr. 2022 Saturday, Williwaw Social Join DJ Fan Service at Williwaw Social on Saturday at 10 p.m. for this semiformal event. Anchorage Daily News, 3 Mar. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'semiformal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of semiformal was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near semiformal

Cite this Entry

“Semiformal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semiformal. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

semiformal

adjective
semi·​for·​mal ˌsem-i-ˈfȯr-məl How to pronounce semiformal (audio)
ˌsem-ˌī-
: being or suitable for an event that is not too formal

More from Merriam-Webster on semiformal

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!