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, quoted in New York Post

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 of finally

• eventually
• someday

Examples of finally in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

After a very dramatic season set largely in Rome, the Emily in Paris season 5 finale finally sees Lily Collins' Emily Cooper and friends back in France's capital (though maybe not for long). —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Dec. 2025

Yes, that rivalry – the one that’s been around for more than a century – finally has real, late-season stakes. —Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025

Our on/off relationship with Carrie Bradshaw finally staggered off its Peloton, though the image of Aidan jerking off in his truck left us feeling as tarnished as a White Lotus blender. —Raven Smith, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2025

Moments later, at roughly 10 minutes till 1 in the morning, Naroditsky finally relented, and ended the live-stream. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 18 Dec. 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