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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of finder

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

Example Sentences

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

The ring has been declared treasure at Norfolk Coroner's Court and will now be taken to the British Museum for valuation, to see how much money the finder and landowner will get.

From BBC • May 29, 2025

Expected to come in early next year, the fuel finder project will require every forecourt to register its pump prices with a central database so people can compare prices.

From BBC • May 5, 2025

Then he cleared his throat, and said, “All right, I’ll read it. Here we go: ‘Greetings to you, the lucky finder of this golden ticket, from Mr. Willy Wonka!

From "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" by Roald Dahl