# finder

/ˈfaɪndɝ/ (US) · /fˈaɪndɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finder
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a person who discovers something that was lost or hidden. You use this word for someone who finds an object or even a new piece of information.

For teachers: a person who discovers or locates something, whether by chance or through a deliberate search. Often used in the context of legal or social rules regarding lost property.

## Examples

- The finder of the lost wallet returned it to the owner.
- The museum offered a small reward to the finder of the ancient coin discovered in the field.
- In many jurisdictions, the finder of lost property has a superior claim to the object against everyone except the rightful owner, provided they take reasonable steps to locate them.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears in the idiomatic phrase 'finders keepers'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.