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
Alas, neither of these women can imagine just how finite that time will be.
—
David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
Just as a mirror cannot be put back together, Lorde is newly aware that all of this — her relationships, her body, her work — is finite.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 June 2025
String theory gives you a finite number of possibilities — not infinite — and that’s a remarkable reduction.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
In contrast, a long lunch suggests a more relaxed gathering with a finite timespan.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
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David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 July 2025
Just as a mirror cannot be put back together, Lorde is newly aware that all of this — her relationships, her body, her work — is finite.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 June 2025
String theory gives you a finite number of possibilities — not infinite — and that’s a remarkable reduction.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025
In contrast, a long lunch suggests a more relaxed gathering with a finite timespan.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 7 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.
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
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