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
Limit contractors' access rights to a finite period, like three months.
—
Benoit Grangé, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Until there are some honest conversations and leadership at all levels of government in Colorado about the limits to growth that are tied to finite water resources, the conversations about saving the Colorado River and other water sources are just for show.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025
Much of this art form, instead, is retained in living memory, and that is finite.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
For any closed, compact surface — that is, a surface that is finite in diameter and has a distinct inside and outside — mean curvature flow is destined to lead to a singularity.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for finite
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Benoit Grangé, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Until there are some honest conversations and leadership at all levels of government in Colorado about the limits to growth that are tied to finite water resources, the conversations about saving the Colorado River and other water sources are just for show.
—Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 12 Apr. 2025
Much of this art form, instead, is retained in living memory, and that is finite.
—Mark Seliger, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
For any closed, compact surface — that is, a surface that is finite in diameter and has a distinct inside and outside — mean curvature flow is destined to lead to a singularity.
—Quanta Magazine, 31 Mar. 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 29 Apr. 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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