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.
Fords make up nine of the first 10 starting positions for the Cup Series race at the track that produced an epic three-wide photo finish a season ago. Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 23 Feb. 2025 From the thrilling photo finish at Churchill Downs that captured Mystik Dan winning the historic 150th Kentucky Derby to Tiger Woods and Scottie Scheffler gracing Valhalla Golf Club for the 106th PGA Championship. Staff, The Courier-Journal, 31 Dec. 2024 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 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 25 Mar. 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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