1. a series of games played to determine a championship or to decide which team advances to the next round of competition
Usage: sports
2. an additional game or contest held to break a tie or determine a winner

Examples

• The basketball team made it to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
• They won the championship after a grueling playoff series.
• The playoff game will be held next Saturday at the home stadium.
• Both teams finished with identical records, so a playoff was necessary.
• She scored the winning goal in the playoff match.
• The football playoffs begin in January.
• After the regular season ended in a tie, they scheduled a playoff round.