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

But with water costs rising and climate change jeopardizing these distant sources, there is growing interest in finding ways to get more water locally.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

Nonetheless, some U.S. veterans are finding hope in the widespread opposition to the war, which marks a sea change from previous wars.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Housing affordability is also making the Midwest more attractive, as many Americans are finding themselves priced out of markets such as Miami and Atlanta that for years pulled people south.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

The smoothie finding fits into a larger area of nutrition research focused on flavanols and other plant bioactives.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

This was how she came to run a nursery dedicated to growing native plants and finding habitats for them.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila

Related Words

• conclusion
• data
• decision
• discovery
• recommendation