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 especially into matters of fact

b

: the results of an investigation

—usually used in plural

Synonyms of finding

• ruling
• sentence
• holding

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

It was shared with the AP on condition that the news organization not identify the country whose peacekeepers compiled the findings for internal use by their senior command. —Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026

The Child Death Review Team findings represent the latest blow to an agency that has faced intense scrutiny since the 2023 fentanyl poisoning death of baby Phoenix Castro. —Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2026

In June, a federal magistrate judge recommended Kordia’s release while her case challenging detention proceeds, but a federal district judge ordered additional fact-finding. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Inspector General Eliot Prescott released a report on Friday detailing the findings of his investigation into the death of 29-year-old Alyssa Insogna on May 10, 2025. —Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 7 Feb. 2026

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