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

He resembles the Finder icon on Apple computers, but with a tiny stature and goofy mannerisms.

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

According to Vessel Finder, a website that tracks the status of ships, Altay was built in 2006 and flies under the flag of the Marshall Islands.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

No other evidence was needed, and the Witch Finder declared that Aunt Charity was Queen of Witches.

From The Bishop of Cottontown A Story of the Southern Cotton Mills by Moore, John Trotwood