1
a
: having definite or definable limits
a finite number of possibilities
b
: having a limited nature or existence
finite beings
2
: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought
the finite velocity of light
3
a
: less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer
b
: having a finite number of elements
a finite set
4
: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
finite verbs such as "is" and "are"
finite
noun
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
Examples of finite in a Sentence
a finite number of possibilities
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human lifespan
a finite verb such as “is” or “are”
Recent Examples on the Web
Simulating strength in real-time To ensure durability, MechStyle uses finite element analysis, a physics simulation that highlights weak regions in a 3D model under realistic forces.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Sadly, time is quite finite, which is where meal and grocery delivery services come in.
—Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
Reporters argued that those covering the game only have a finite amount of time to ask questions to coaches and players and others shouldn’t showcase their fandom too much.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Much like an actual vacation, its transportive power was directly linked to its finite end.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finite
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Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026
Sadly, time is quite finite, which is where meal and grocery delivery services come in.
—Andrea Strong, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 Jan. 2026
Reporters argued that those covering the game only have a finite amount of time to ask questions to coaches and players and others shouldn’t showcase their fandom too much.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Much like an actual vacation, its transportive power was directly linked to its finite end.
—Alison Herman, Variety, 11 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 18 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
finite
adjective
fi·nite
ˈfī-ˌnīt 
1
: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite
2
: limited in grammatical person and number
a finite verb
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
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