1
a
: having definite or definable limits
a finite number of possibilities
b
: having a limited nature or existence
finite beings
2
: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought
the finite velocity of light
3
a
: less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer
b
: having a finite number of elements
a finite set
4
: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
finite verbs such as "is" and "are"
finite
noun
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
Examples of finite in a Sentence
a finite number of possibilities
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human lifespan
a finite verb such as “is” or “are”
Recent Examples on the Web
Perhaps, when resources and time are finite, trying and failing—or simply taking too long—could be worse than not trying at all.
—
Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
The latter is a valid concern as gold is a finite resource and peak gold — the date at which maximum gold extraction has occurred — is a future reality.
—Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
But that’s what McKay conjectured — for all finite groups.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Because with consciousness comes nostalgia, memory, the fear of mortality, and the awareness of being finite.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
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Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
The latter is a valid concern as gold is a finite resource and peak gold — the date at which maximum gold extraction has occurred — is a future reality.
—Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025
But that’s what McKay conjectured — for all finite groups.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 19 Feb. 2025
Because with consciousness comes nostalgia, memory, the fear of mortality, and the awareness of being finite.
—Ben Croll, Variety, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
finite
adjective
fi·nite
ˈfī-ˌnīt 
1
: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite
2
: limited in grammatical person and number
a finite verb
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
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