finder

American  

[fahyn-der] / ˈfaɪn dər /

noun

1. a person or thing that finds.

2. Photography.

   1. a range finder.

   2. Also called viewfinder.  a camera part or attachment enabling a photographer to determine what will be included in the picture.

3. Astronomy. a small, wide-angled telescope attached to a larger one for locating objects to be studied.

4. a person or firm that acts as agent in initiating a business transaction.

---

finder British  

/ ˈfaɪndə /

noun

1. a person or thing that finds

2. physics a small low-power wide-angle telescope fitted to a more powerful larger telescope, used to locate celestial objects to be studied by the larger instrument

3. photog short for viewfinder

4. informal whoever finds something has the right to keep it

---

Etymology

Origin of finder

First recorded in 1250–1300, finder is from the Middle English word findere. See find, -er ¹

Example Sentences

Today, the company’s products, including an AI-driven app and range finder, act as a virtual caddie, one that recommends the club you should use and the optimal landing area for each shot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

The coin was valued at £15,000, which was paid to the finder as a reward by the King's and Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

Start with the plan finder tool at Medicare.gov, which should list everything available in your area.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 15, 2025

Jury trial and due process protections, in our legal system, safeguard the rights of parties to present facts to a fact finder.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2025

They churred excitedly when someone discovered a large scorpion—and muttered with disappointment as the lucky finder nipped off the stinger and ate the rest of the creature!

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer