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

While the study has limitations, its findings demonstrate the potential of psychedelic therapy in the context of cancer treatment. —New Atlas, 21 June 2025

But that thriving industry is threatened by a series of shark attacks, although the local mayor, Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton), initially dismisses the possibility, ridiculing the findings of visiting marine biologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss). —ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025

The specific findings of the FDA’s latest inspection of the Sun plant conducted this month have not yet been made public, and the company did not respond to a request for comment. —Debbie Cenziper, CNN Money, 20 June 2025

The lack of appropriate authorizations for teachers was found by the commission this year, and its findings will be released this month. —Ishani Desai, Sacbee.com, 20 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for finding

• binding
• blinding
• grinding
• minding
• winding
• bookbinding
• factfinding
• nonbinding
• rebinding
• regrinding
• reminding
• rewinding

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