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

The collarless jacket is finally a style that feels like me. —Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 12 Dec. 2024

With a priceless historic apartment in her family’s possession that was finally vacant after decades, the decision was clear. —Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024

The airport had just over 6 million passengers in 2023, evidence that travel was finally rebounding after the COVID-19 pandemic. —Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 12 Dec. 2024

The other big pre-challenge news was Rachel telling Sue about her immunity idol so that Sue would finally stop digging by the water well. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 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