photo finish

noun

1
: a race or finish in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them as they cross the finish line has to be examined to determine the winner
2
: a close contest

Examples of photo finish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last year, Blaney nearly won this race, only to lose in a photo finish to Suarez. Jeff Gluck, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025 Just 26, Cindric won the second Daytona duel Thursday night in a photo finish and will sit on the front row to start Sunday’s race. Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2025 Unfortunately for Detroit, the Minnesota Vikings continue to win, too, setting up what could be a photo finish in Week 18. Colton Pouncy, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024 In the men’s 100-meter final, Noah Lyles and six other runners were involved in a photo finish — 0.09 seconds separated Lyles from seventh place. The Athletic Staff, The Athletic, 11 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for photo finish

Word History

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of photo finish was in 1935

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Cite this Entry

“Photo finish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/photo%20finish. Accessed 28 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

photo finish

noun
1
: a finish of a race in which contestants are so close that a photograph of them crossing the finish line has to be examined to decide the winner
2
: a close contest (as in an election)

More from Merriam-Webster on photo finish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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