# finisher

/ˈfɪnɪʃɝ/ (US) · /fˈɪnɪʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/finisher
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a person who completes a race or a difficult task. You use this to describe someone who reaches the end, even if they do not win.

For teachers: a competitor who successfully completes a race or sporting event. Often used to distinguish those who reach the finish line from those who drop out or fail to start.

## Examples

- Every finisher in the marathon received a medal.
- The race was so difficult that only half of the participants were recorded as official finishers.
- While the elite runners took the headlines, the crowd stayed to cheer for the final finisher who crossed the line just before sunset.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in endurance sports like marathons, triathlons, or cycling races.

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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.