finding

American  

[fahyn-ding] / ˈfaɪn dɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that finds; discovery.

2. Often findings. something that is found or ascertained.

3. Law. a decision or verdict after judicial inquiry.

4. findings, tools, materials, etc., used by artisans.

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finding British  

/ ˈfaɪndɪŋ /

noun

1. a thing that is found or discovered

2. law the conclusion reached after a judicial inquiry; verdict

3. (plural) the tools and equipment of an artisan

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Other Word Forms

• nonfinding noun

Etymology

Origin of finding

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English; find + -ing ¹

Explanation

A finding is a discovery, especially by scholars or scientists. Finding is the act of researching or analyzing something. If the dog digs up the hamster grave in the backyard, better not to share his finding with the neighbors. Findings are facts that have been found, especially by academics studying something. A dietary study could have the finding that more people are avoiding gluten. An economic study could have the finding that more people are working out of their home. An environmental study could have the finding that a type of toxin is increasing. A dog’s finding would be a little less academic. The word is usually plural, because it usually refers to more than one thing found.

Example Sentences

EVs are also one of China's biggest exports to the Middle East, but now trader Joyce Liu is finding it tough to get shipments to customers.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

“It’s a super-compelling character and narrative. I think that’s why it’s had so many adaptations. It lends itself to finding a place in the world even as it evolves.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

So on top of rent prices — which I’m finding are similar to or higher than in New York City — I’d also need to account for car expenses like insurance and gas.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 2026

Some restaurants say they are having trouble finding enough dishwashers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

Duane, who was already dizzy from the jumping, was now finding the hare’s quick, clipped way of talking equally unbalancing, not to mention all the twitches and tics that accompanied her speech.

From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el

Related Words

• conclusion
• data
• decision
• discovery
• recommendation