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
From the beginning, Krane and GV have been encouraged to think in hundred-year time horizons — a blessing when compared to the finite time frames to return capital that other VCs operate under, but a framework that can impose its own burdens.
—
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2024
Some say bitcoin can operate as a store of value akin to a precious metal, since, similar to gold, there is a finite amount of it available.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2024
In 1892, the mathematician Otto Hölder proposed that researchers assemble (opens a new tab) a complete list of all possible finite simple groups.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024
Jobs aren’t finite, rather they’re only limited by investment.
—John Tamny, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite 
Allie Garfinkle, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2024
Some say bitcoin can operate as a store of value akin to a precious metal, since, similar to gold, there is a finite amount of it available.
—Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2024
In 1892, the mathematician Otto Hölder proposed that researchers assemble (opens a new tab) a complete list of all possible finite simple groups.
—Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 6 Sep. 2024
Jobs aren’t finite, rather they’re only limited by investment.
—John Tamny, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'finite.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.
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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