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

we're making steady progress and may finally finish this project

Recent Examples on the Web

The Razorbacks finally pushed home a run after putting the leadoff man aboard in each inning. —Matt Jones, Arkansas Online, 12 May 2025

After a cold open that introduced the concept of spores—particles expelled into the air by infected in the last stage of their life cycle that can transfer to anyone who breathes them in—the closing minutes saw Ellie finally hunt down a member of Abby's entourage, Nora (Tati Gabrielle). —Megan McCluskey, Time, 12 May 2025

The county, which returned the boys to Hayes multiple times before they were finally believed, agreed to pay $3 million to the brothers to settle their lawsuit. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2025

McAfee let out one last gasp, elbowing for his life, before finally succumbing to the hold. —Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025

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