finest

American

[fahy-nist] / ˈfaɪ nɪst /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

the police.

New York City's finest.

Etymology

Origin of finest

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

As beautiful as this book is, worthy of the finest coffee table, it would be a mistake to call it a hagiography.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

The ballroom would be "the finest Building of its kind anywhere in the World," he insisted.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

He will go down categorically as one of the finest footballers to wear the Liverpool shirt.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

But that didn’t stop Team USA from trying out a stand-up-and-salute shtick as a collection of America’s finest players grimaced their way through the recent World Baseball Classic.

From Salon • Mar. 18, 2026

“She was a fine spinner,” said Balthilda in a gentle voice, “the finest there has ever been in Yonder or anywhere.”

From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023