ENGLISH
REFERENCE

finish

v. · n.
US //ˈfɪnɪʃ// fin·ish
  1. 1 to consume all of something (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to eat or drink the last part of something.

    to consume the entirety of a food or drink item.

    Example

    If you finish your vegetables, you can have some chocolate cake.

    Example

    He finished the rest of the wine before calling for the bill and heading toward the station.
  2. 2 the end of a race or event (n.)
    A2 Elementary Sport

    the last part of a race or a competition.

    the final stage or conclusion of a race, competition, or performance.

    Example

    It was a very close finish, but the blue car won by a second.

    Example

    The marathon saw a dramatic finish as the two lead runners sprinted side-by-side toward the tape in front of a cheering crowd.
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  1. 3 surface appearance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the way the surface of something looks or feels, like wood or metal.

    the final treatment or appearance of a surface, often referring to texture, shine, or a protective coating.

    Example

    The table has a smooth, shiny finish that makes it easy to clean.

    Example

    The architect specified a matte finish for the exterior panels to reduce glare from the afternoon sun.
  2. 4 a shot on goal (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    a kick or hit that tries to score a goal.

    the final action of an attacking move, specifically a shot intended to score.

    Example

    The striker's powerful finish sent the ball into the top corner of the net.

    Example

    Despite a brilliant build-up in the midfield, the team lacked a clinical finish and failed to convert their chances into goals.
  3. 5 wrestling match ending (n.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Sport

    the planned ending of a professional wrestling match.

    the choreographed sequence of moves leading to the conclusion of a professional wrestling bout.

    Example

    The fans were angry because the finish of the match felt very messy.

    Example

    The booker decided on a controversial finish to protect both athletes' reputations ahead of the upcoming pay-per-view event.

    Usage

    Commonly used within the industry and among dedicated fans.
Origin

From Middle English finishen, finisshen, finischen, from Old French finiss-, stem of some of the conjugated forms of finir, from Latin fīnīre, from fīnis (“end, limit, border, boundary”), possibly from Proto-Indo-European dʰeygʷ- (“to stick, set up”) or from Proto-Indo-European bʰeyd- (“to split”).

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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