finder

American  

[fahyn-der] / ˈfaɪn dər /

noun

finders plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• finders
  plural

Etymology

Origin of finder

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

Example Sentences

A government scheme called Fuel Finder, external lets drivers compare the cost of fuel offered by petrol stations across the UK.

From BBC • Jun. 19, 2026

Apple also introduced a new mascot to its TikTok videos that is being referred to as “Lil’ Finder Guy.”

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“What was needed of the Fact Finder was a dive into the financial analysis of both parties to determine what portion of the budget could be allocated to these needs,” wrote the union’s Brian McNamara.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

“He was very funny,” said first-year Vanessa Finder.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Then Sir Lopez, and Path Finder, striding alone, Then the good horse, Red Ember, the flea-bitten roan.

From Right Royal by Masefield, John