finder

[ fahyn-der ]

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

/ 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. finders keepers informal.
   whoever finds something has the right to keep it

Word History and Origins

Origin of finder¹

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

Example Sentences

It’s much safer to own a security that has an ownership record instead of one that simply follows the “finders, keepers” rule.

From Salon

Under the rules, the finder has to show that they correctly solved the enigmas and did not just stumble upon the owl by chance.

From BBC

“They gave it to us, as, I guess you call it a finders keepers thing,” Kane said.

From Seattle Times

"You are the finders of fact," he says solemnly.

From BBC

He leaned over to the side window and pleaded, “Perhaps we can work out some sort of finder’s fee for you and your wife.”

From Literature