finite

adjective

fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt How to pronounce finite (audio)
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
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.
Salt works great for preserving soy sauce and pickles, but most people have a finite sodium consumption budget. Ali Bouzari, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Mar. 2025 Human energy is finite and cyclical, yet many organizations expect peak performance through every single change initiative. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025 This earned him a trickle of would-be acolytes during his long incarceration: radical environmentalists and anarcho-primitivists at first, and later eco-fascists, the faction of white nationalists who built on Hitler’s view that race war was necessary for survival in a world of finite resources. Charles Homans, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025 While the intention was for seniors to find more-affordable housing while receiving a subsidy over a finite period, Downey said that plan has been a challenge because of a housing shortage. Gary Warth, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for finite

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin fīnītus "specific, definite, having bounds or limits," from past participle of fīnīre "to mark out the boundaries, limit, put an end to, bring to a close" — more at finish entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of finite was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

finite

adjective
fi·​nite ˈfī-ˌnīt How to pronounce finite (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on finite

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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