# finest

/ˈfaɪnəst/ (US) · /fˈaɪnəst/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finest
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. best quality

adjective · CEFR B1

the very best or highest quality.

For teachers: the superlative degree of 'fine', indicating the highest possible standard of quality, skill, or appearance.

- This museum has some of the finest paintings in the world.
- The artisan used only the finest silk available, ensuring the finished garment would have an incomparable texture and sheen.

### 2. the police

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

a way to refer to the police, usually to show respect for their work.

For teachers: a collective noun used to refer to the police force of a specific city.

- The city's finest were out in force to keep the parade safe.
- The ceremony was attended by several of New York's finest, who were being honoured for their bravery during the recent emergency.

Usage: Usually appears as 'the city's finest' or '[City Name]'s finest'.

### 3. the military

noun · CEFR C2 · American English · Informal · Formal

a way to refer to soldiers or members of the armed forces.

For teachers: a collective noun referring to members of the military, typically used in a patriotic or respectful context.

- We must support our nation's finest as they serve abroad.
- The general spoke movingly about the sacrifices made by the nation's finest in the pursuit of global stability.

Usage: Often used in political speeches or news reports to praise the military.

## Examples

- This is the finest meal I have ever eaten.
- The museum displays some of the finest examples of Roman pottery found in the region.
- Even the finest details of the painting were preserved, allowing historians to identify the specific pigments used by the artist during the late Renaissance.

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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.