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
The window for ending the threat of AIDS is finite.
—
Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Copyright protects an original work for a finite amount of time.
—Leo Rocha, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2025
Development of the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I, as the reactor that powered the lightbulbs was known, began in the late 1940s, as the United States government sought to develop a nuclear reaction process that would extend its finite supply of uranium.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
That means the owner cares a lot about making sure that the developer completes and pays for its project and does so in a finite time.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite 
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Jennifer Lotito, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Copyright protects an original work for a finite amount of time.
—Leo Rocha, CBS News, 1 Jan. 2025
Development of the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I, as the reactor that powered the lightbulbs was known, began in the late 1940s, as the United States government sought to develop a nuclear reaction process that would extend its finite supply of uranium.
—Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024
That means the owner cares a lot about making sure that the developer completes and pays for its project and does so in a finite time.
—Joshua Stein, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for finite
Dictionary Entries Near finite
Cite this Entry
“Finite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite. Accessed 22 Jan. 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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