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, quoted in New York Post
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
Cite this Entry
“Finally.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finally. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
