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

Inspector General Eliot Prescott released a 26-page report detailing the findings of his investigation into the death of 33-year-old Gamboy Guaranda at the New Haven Correctional Center on April 16. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026

Senior study author Laura Cuaya explained their findings in a press release published on the university’s website. — Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Lilian Thuram’s switch to Juventus in 2001 is one of the earliest big-money signings from our findings, funded by Zidane’s departure to Madrid in the same summer. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

Investment should prioritize the skills most exposed to disruption, including digital fluency, leadership and adaptable problem-solving, since these are precisely where the Workday and Productivity Commission findings show preparation is weakest. — Ayush Gupta, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 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