finds; found
ˈfaʊnd 
; finding
; finding
1
a
: to discover (something or someone) without planning or trying to : to discover (something or someone) by chance
He found a dollar on the ground.
The well diggers found a number of Native American artifacts.
She finds [=meets] interesting people wherever she goes.
b
Note: Something or someone that is found in a specified place exists there or lives there.
2
: to get or discover (something or someone that you are looking for)
After an hour of searching, I finally found my glasses.
find a missing person
We need to find a suitable person for the job.
I found a job for him. = I found him a job.
My glasses are nowhere to be found. = I can't find my glasses.
3
a
: to discover or learn (something) by studying about it
She found the answer at last.
They claim to have found a more efficient way to run the business.
researchers trying to find a cure for cancer
b
: to get (something needed or wanted) by effort
You must find time to do it.
I found a way to pay for college without taking out any loans.
She found the courage to address the crowd.
I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. = I hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me. [=I hope you can forgive me]
4
a
: to regard (someone or something you have met, seen, experienced, etc.) in a specified way
I found him (to be) a very sensible man. = I found him very sensible.
Students often find this book (to be) useful.
I find it hard to concentrate [=it is hard for me to concentrate] with that music playing.
The travel arrangements were found wanting. [=the travel arrangements were criticized]
b
: to be affected by (something) in a specified way
He finds laughing/laughter painful. = He finds it painful to laugh.
c
: to feel (a pleasing emotion)
He finds pleasure in her company.
They didn't win, but the team found some satisfaction in having played so well.
5
a
: to discover (someone) in a specified state
He found them waiting for him.
I found her relaxing by the pool.
He was found dead the next morning.
The crisis found them unprepared. [=they were unprepared when the crisis occurred]
b
: to become aware that you are doing something or that you are in a particular place or situation
I often find myself thinking about her.
When he awoke, he found himself in an unfamiliar room. [=he saw that he was in an unfamiliar room]
I found myself agreeing with him. [=I found that I agreed with him]
6
: to begin to have (something)
The new product found few buyers. [=few people bought it]
It took a while before his unusual brand of comedy found an audience.
These ideas have found approval/favor [=been accepted; become well-liked] among many young people.
His doctrines found acceptance [=were accepted] among scholars.
7
law
a
: to make a decision about the guilt or innocence of (someone)
The jury found her guilty.
She was found innocent.
b
: to decide the result of a court case
The jury found a verdict of guilty.
The jury found for the defendant. [=the jury's decision was in favor of the defendant]
The jury found against her.
plural finds
: something or someone that has been found
especially
: a valuable person or thing that has been found or discovered
That antique she bought at the flea market was a real find.
That new secretary of yours is a real find!
Cite this Entry
“Find.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/find. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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