finally

adverb

fi·​nal·​ly ˈfī-nᵊl-ē 

ˈfīn-lē

1

: after a prolonged time : at the end of period of time

Two hours later, the train finally arrived.

He finally got around to calling.

I'm so happy to finally meet you!

It finally dawned on me what she'd meant.

2

a

: as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : eventually

After many attempts, they finally gave up.

"My career meandered all over the place and I finally settled on comedic acting. …"

—Cassandra Peterson

"He listened to the whole thing, very attentive, and finally he turned to the doctor and he said, 'I have a question.'"

—Russell Newman

b

: by way of conclusion : as the last point

… Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support …

—Joe Girardi, quoted in New York Post

c

: in the end : ultimately

What finally matters is whether you're likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.

—Peter Jaret

3

old-fashioned : in a final manner : in a way that does not allow change

I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.

—Willa Cather

She said it so finally … that Mr. Pumblechook … could not protest.

—Charles Dickens

… the power to decide finally and conclusively upon all motions made in the course of legislative proceedings …

—John G. Carlisle

Synonyms of finally

• eventually
• someday

Examples of finally in a Sentence

we're making steady progress and may finally finish this project

Recent Examples on the Web

The Battle of the Gullet (originally cut from Season 2 due to budget constraints) is finally here, showcasing the epic naval battle between the Blacks, Rhaenyra’s (Emma D’Arcy) forces, and the Greens, the King’s Landing loyalists under King Aegon II (Tom Glynn-Carney). —Matt Minton, Variety, 22 June 2026

Those who were teens during the pandemic, young adults, even adults who were reading during the pandemic, finding these new communities online and now finally getting a chance to connect. —Dana Taylor, USA Today, 22 June 2026

After more than two hours of waiting, several dozen fans break into cheers as players finally file through the lobby. —Gabriela Aoun Angueira, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026

Riding shotgun with him will be Scheffler, who finally got on track by making three straight birdies, shooting 32 on the back nine and at least keeping alive hope of a career Grand Slam. —Doug Ferguson, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing finally

• the/his chickens are (finally) coming home to roost