finally

adverb

fi·​nal·​ly ˈfī-nᵊl-ē 

ˈfīn-lē

1

: after a prolonged time : at the end of period of time

Two hours later, the train finally arrived.

He finally got around to calling.

I'm so happy to finally meet you!

It finally dawned on me what she'd meant.

2

a

: as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : eventually

After many attempts, they finally gave up.

"My career meandered all over the place and I finally settled on comedic acting. …"

—Cassandra Peterson

"He listened to the whole thing, very attentive, and finally he turned to the doctor and he said, 'I have a question.'"

—Russell Newman

b

: by way of conclusion : as the last point

"… Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support …"

—Joe Girardi

c

: in the end : ultimately

What finally matters is whether you're likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.

—Peter Jaret

3

old-fashioned : in a final manner : in a way that does not allow change

I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.

—Willa Cather

She said it so finally … that Mr. Pumblechook … could not protest.

—Charles Dickens

… the power to decide finally and conclusively upon all motions made in the course of legislative proceedings …

—John G. Carlisle

Synonyms

• eventually
• someday
• sometime
• sooner or later
• ultimately
• yet

Examples of finally in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The plan to merge the two mid-size film and TV businesses was on the table for over two years, but finally (acrimoniously) collapsed in January 2024. —Patrick Frater, Variety, 17 Apr. 2024

Bombshell Treat Bar, the over-the-top ice cream shop of decadent dipped ice cream bars and other stunning sweet treats, is finally opening their Berkley storefront at 2688 Coolidge Highway at noon on Friday. —Kylie Martin, Detroit Free Press, 17 Apr. 2024

Rumors were also circulating that Aldi could finally be opening a southern Arizona location, according to KOLD in Tucson. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 17 Apr. 2024

The co-headlining run has finally manifested nearly six years after Charli and Sivan first collaborated. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2024

The trio worked on the tracks for months before finally working on the raging bridge, a big Nineties pop moment from Roan that predicts the regret her negligent partner will face one day. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024

The moment finally came on a hike in the San Gabriel Mountains on a Saturday morning. —Isabelle Stillman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2024

For much of the two decades since Arsenal’s title-winning ‘Invincible’ season in 2004, the Gunners have struggled to really compete at the top of the table but look to have finally turned the page on a difficult chapter for the club. —Ben Church, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

When will the pollen finally stop in Sacramento? With spring in full swing, seasonal allergies are on the rise in the region. —Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 5 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing finally

• the/his chickens are (finally) coming home to roost