playoff
Translation
play-off, decider, knockout stage
Examples
The team made it to the playoffs.
The team made it to the play-offs.
It was a tense playoff game.
It was a tense play-off game.
Grammar Patterns
((noun)) a final game or series of games to decide a champion. The team is in the play-offs.
Similar Words
final, championship, tournament, decider
Etymology
From 'play' and 'off', signifying a game or series of games played to decide a winner after the regular season.
Memory Tips
Think of it as playing to knock the other team 'off' the list of contenders.