1
a
: having definite or definable limits
a finite number of possibilities
b
: having a limited nature or existence
finite beings
2
: completely determinable in theory or in fact by counting, measurement, or thought
the finite velocity of light
3
a
: less than an arbitrary positive integer and greater than the negative of that integer
b
: having a finite number of elements
a finite set
4
: of, relating to, or being a verb or verb form that can function as a predicate or as the initial element of one and that is limited (as in tense, person, and number)
finite verbs such as "is" and "are"
finite
noun
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
Examples of finite in a Sentence
a finite number of possibilities
the earth's finite supply of natural resources
the finite human lifespan
a finite verb such as “is” or “are”
Recent Examples on the Web
The existence of such a pile would contradict the strongest evidence mathematicians have for a finite cap on rank.
—
Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
Even though there's a finite number of permits issued every day on the middle fork, those groups can be big, upwards of 20 people.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
And rainwater, ironically another finite resource now, for toilets.
—Susanne Paola Antonetta, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024
In 1892, the mathematician Otto Hölder proposed that researchers assemble a complete list of all possible finite simple groups.
—Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 11 Nov. 2024
Even though there's a finite number of permits issued every day on the middle fork, those groups can be big, upwards of 20 people.
—Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
And rainwater, ironically another finite resource now, for toilets.
—Susanne Paola Antonetta, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024
In 1892, the mathematician Otto Hölder proposed that researchers assemble a complete list of all possible finite simple groups.
—Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite
Dictionary Entries Near finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
finite
adjective
fi·nite
ˈfī-ˌnīt 
1
: having certain limits : limited in scope or nature : not infinite
2
: limited in grammatical person and number
a finite verb
finitely
adverb
finiteness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share