finally

adverb

fi·​nal·​ly ˈfī-nᵊl-ē 

ˈfīn-lē

1

: after a prolonged time : at the end of period of time

Two hours later, the train finally arrived.

He finally got around to calling.

I'm so happy to finally meet you!

It finally dawned on me what she'd meant.

2

a

: as the last act or occurrence in a series : in the end : eventually

After many attempts, they finally gave up.

"My career meandered all over the place and I finally settled on comedic acting. …"

—Cassandra Peterson

"He listened to the whole thing, very attentive, and finally he turned to the doctor and he said, 'I have a question.'"

—Russell Newman

b

: by way of conclusion : as the last point

"… Finally, I'd like to thank the fans for their great support …"

—Joe Girardi

c

: in the end : ultimately

What finally matters is whether you're likely to drink enough of the organisms to make you sick.

—Peter Jaret

3

old-fashioned : in a final manner : in a way that does not allow change

I have reason for asking this question which you have answered so finally.

—Willa Cather

She said it so finally … that Mr. Pumblechook … could not protest.

—Charles Dickens

… the power to decide finally and conclusively upon all motions made in the course of legislative proceedings …

—John G. Carlisle

Synonyms

• eventually
• someday
• sometime
• sooner or later
• ultimately
• yet

Examples of finally in a Sentence

we're making steady progress and may finally finish this project

Recent Examples on the Web

After 26 years, an arrest has finally been made in connection with the murder of a young woman. —Olivia Rose, The Arizona Republic, 25 Oct. 2024

The Nasdaq Composite index finally made a new all-time high on Friday, its first since July. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 25 Oct. 2024

It’s finally achieved top-Sondheim status after being mid- to lower- for the longest time. —Seija Rankin, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Oct. 2024

The video resembles a classic Looney Tunes bit, with the mischievous duck going out of its way to bother a lemonade stand owner, repeatedly pestering him for grapes, only to ask for lemonade when the owner finally gives in. —Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

Phrases Containing finally

• the/his chickens are (finally) coming home to roost