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finder

A1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /fˈaɪndə/

US

  • /ˈfaɪndər/

Description

A "finder" is usually a person, tool, or service that helps locate something. Sometimes it means a person who discovers or recovers something, like the person who found a lost dog. Just as often, it appears in compound nouns such as "job finder," "key finder," or "stud finder," where it names something made to help with searching or locating.

The word often suggests active searching and successful discovery. In some contexts, it can also imply skill, especially when someone is good at finding useful things, answers, or opportunities.

Examples

  1. 1

    Lost property

    There's a reward for the finder of the lost wallet.

  2. 2

    Honest return

    The finder left the keys at the front desk and walked away.

  3. 3

    Website tool

    Use the store finder on the website to see which branch is closest to you.

  4. 4

    Business deal

    He received a finder's fee for bringing the investor and the company together.

    • Phrase

      finder's fee

      money someone gets for helping to arrange a deal

  5. 5

    Childish saying

    "Finders keepers" doesn't apply when the phone clearly belongs to someone else.

    • Phrase

      finders keepers

      a childish saying meaning "I found it, so it's mine"

See also

nouna person or tool that finds or locates something

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Used with (collocations)

  • finder's fee
  • file finder
  • finders keepers

Word family

Explore

  • lost and found
  • search tool

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • findernoun

Forms

  • finderspluralnoun