Playoff: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'playoff' to refer to a set of games played to determine the winner among teams that had successful regular seasons. It is often used in professional sports leagues.

• The team advanced to the playoffs after a stellar regular season.
• Are you going to watch the playoffs this weekend?

Use 'tournament' to describe a series of games or matches in which a number of teams or individuals compete to determine a winner. It can occur in various sports and activities, often involving elimination rounds.

• The chess tournament attracted players from all over the world.
• They'll be hosting a basketball tournament next month.

Use 'championship' to denote the final contest to determine the overall winner of a sports league or competition. It represents the culmination of the competitive season.

• They won the championship game last night!
• The championship match will be held next Sunday.

Use 'postseason' as a general term referring to games played after the regular season, including playoffs and championships. It doesn't specify a particular event but encompasses the period.

• He always performs well in the postseason.
• The team is gearing up for the postseason.

This term is often used in sports when referring to a series of games or matches to determine a champion among teams that have qualified based on their performance in the regular season.

• The team made it to the playoffs after winning the last game of the season
• The playoffs start next Saturday

This is a broad term that can be used in various contexts where entities are striving to win or achieve something, not limited to sports. It can apply to academic contests, business rivalries, and more.

• She entered a singing competition and won first place
• There is a lot of competition in the tech industry

This term is commonly used in employment, academic settings, or any scenario where individuals or teams are chosen or sorted based on certain criteria, rather than direct competition.

• The selection process for the new job position will take approximately two weeks
• The university has a rigorous selection process for its scholarships

Used to describe a specific stage in a competition where participants are gradually removed based on their performance, often leading up to finals or playoffs. Typically seen in tournaments and multi-stage events.

• The elimination rounds will determine which teams advance to the quarterfinals
• He was knocked out during the elimination rounds