finding

noun

find·​ing ˈfīn-diŋ 

1

a

: the act of one that finds

b

: find sense 2

2

findings plural : small tools and supplies used by an artisan (such as a dressmaker, jeweler, or shoemaker)

3

a

: the result of a judicial examination or inquiry

b

: the results of an investigation

—usually used in plural

Synonyms

• doom
• holding
• judgment
• judgement
• ruling
• sentence

Examples of finding in a Sentence

She published her findings in a medical journal.

The evidence supported a finding of unfair bias.

Recent Examples on the Web

These findings among teachers arrive as a subtle but detectable change in public perspective on who is responsible when a student fires a gun at school has begun to emerge. —Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

The latest findings point to a need for the state to move quickly, Gold said. —Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 11 Apr. 2024

The project will compare recent findings with a study from almost 100 years ago. —Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 10 Apr. 2024

Given these changes, some clinicians are questioning the relevance of the original Dutch findings for today’s patients. —Azeen Ghorayshi, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2024

In February, All Clear Travel Insurance unveiled the findings of its research searching for the most luxurious airports in the world. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2024

That’s certainly an interesting finding, but there is another twist to the story. —John Cassidy, The New Yorker, 9 Apr. 2024

Manipulated images — in which a researcher has modified an image heavily with photo editing tools — could indicate that images have been exaggerated, enhanced or altered in an unethical way that could change how other scientists interpret a study’s findings or scientific meaning. —Evan Bush, NBC News, 9 Apr. 2024

The state Auditor’s Office picked Monterey and Santa Barbara counties and the cities of Fresno, Sacramento, San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, publishing its findings late last month. —Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

finding

noun

find·​ing

ˈfīn-diŋ

1

: find entry 2

2

: the result of a judicial proceeding or inquiry

Legal Definition

finding

noun

find·​ing

: a determination resulting from judicial or administrative examination or inquiry (as at trial) especially into matters of fact as embodied in the verdict of a jury or decision of a court, referee, or administrative body or officer

also, usually plural : a written statement of such determinations see also factfinding compare decision, holding, opinion, ruling

— finding of fact

: a determination made by the trier of fact as to a factual issue based on the evidence presented in a case

Note: Conclusions of law are based on findings of fact.

— finding of law

: a court's determination of the law as applied to a case : conclusion of law

— general finding

: a finding that the facts in general support a judgment in favor of one of the parties

— special finding

: a finding setting out the ultimate facts upon which the court's judgment is based