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

Nearly 500 people from almost 200 different engagements domestically and internationally participated, and the findings were shared at the AMS' annual meeting in January. —Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 9 Feb. 2025

McInerney mentioned in court Friday that the attorney general’s office has appealed the Sixth District ruling to the California Supreme Court — on the grounds that the Racial Justice Act finding did not justify invalidating the jury verdict — and stated his office’s intention to re-file charges. —Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2025

The findings cast new light on the behavior of Paleolithic hominins, providing important new insights into the development of abstract thinking and cultural complexity in this period. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Tentative audit findings fail to back up the barrage of media attacks the former university president and senator has faced over expenses. —Kayla Bartsch, National Review, 7 Feb. 2025

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