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

• doom
• holding
• judgment
• judgement
• ruling
• sentence

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 report findings are based on a survey of 522 corporate practitioners representing organizations of varying sizes and a broad range of industries. —Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2024

The findings add to the understanding of how climate change can affect extreme weather events — and the potential role these events can play in fire activity. —Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024

The new tell-all biography divulges the most shocking findings from detective Fred Otash about Hollywood's biggest stars The brightest stars of the 1950s — including the likes of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, the Kennedy brothers, Lana Turner and Judy Garland — often hid the darkest secrets. —Lizzie Hyman, Peoplemag, 22 Apr. 2024

As marijuana isn’t without its health harms, these findings came as a surprise even to the scientists behind the study. —Lindsey Leake, Fortune Well, 19 Apr. 2024

Pedersen said the team’s research included physical tests using models and was informed by real-world accident findings. —Júlia Ledur, Washington Post, 18 Apr. 2024

The finding isn’t universal, and as many as one third of the patients still have an ongoing impact on their overall quality of life, the researchers said. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2024

The findings can help scientists understand how black holes of this size form and evolve. —Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 18 Apr. 2024

These findings among teachers arrive as a subtle but detectable change in public perspective on who is responsible when a student fires a gun at school has begun to emerge. —Belinda Luscombe, TIME, 11 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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