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

• 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

The findings have been in ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2025

Doctors allegedly found 13 stab wounds to Stalzer's upper body, German outlet Bild reported, citing new police findings. —Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

According to the findings, a whopping 34 percent of respondents said Maui was the most romantic destination in the world, surpassing Paris by a full percentage point. —Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 10 Oct. 2025

The agency does not release preliminary findings during active investigations. —Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 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