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.
At this point in time, Hill, Jeb Burton, and Love were lined up for a photo finish, separated by mere inches. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025 If your dad’s idea of a great day involves photo finishes and premium BBQ, Santa Anita Park has a full lineup of experiences to match—from trackside feasts to whiskey tastings. Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 10 June 2025 From a drama standpoint, the 151st Kentucky Derby has a tough act to follow after last year’s three-way photo finish. Steve Kornacki, NBC news, 2 May 2025 The Lamar-Drake exchange wraps a photo finish between the two rivals, whose feud ignited into one of the defining pop-culture storylines of 2024. Trevor Anderson, Billboard, 27 May 2025 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 7 Aug. 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

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