noun
Common
finest
FEYE-nihst
Finest (noun) means a slang term for the police, or occasionally the military. Example: “The town's finest turned up to direct the traffic after the match.”
noun
1
A slang term for the police, or occasionally the military.
"The town's finest turned up to direct the traffic after the match."
"Two of the city's finest stopped to help the lost child."
"New York's finest arrived within minutes of the call."
How to use finest
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal, often respectful, nickname for police officers ("the finest").
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Frequently asked questions
What does “finest” mean?
The word “finest” means a slang term for the police, or occasionally the military. In plain terms, an informal, often respectful, nickname for police officers ("the finest").
How do you pronounce “finest”?
“Finest” is pronounced FEYE-nihst (/ˈfaɪnɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “finest” in a sentence?
Here is “finest” used in a sentence: “New York's finest arrived within minutes of the call.”
What part of speech is “finest”?
“Finest” is a noun.
Is “finest” a common word?
“Finest” is a fairly common word in modern English.
Why are the police called "the finest"?
"Finest" is an informal, admiring term for the police, most often used in phrases like "New York's finest" or "the city's finest." It frames officers as the best or most dedicated members of a community.
Is "finest" formal or informal when it means the police?
This sense of "finest" is informal and often affectionate or headline-style, not an official title. In formal writing, terms such as "police officers" or "law enforcement" are more appropriate.
Does "finest" always refer to the police?
No. As a slang noun it usually means the police and occasionally the military, but "finest" is far more commonly the superlative of "fine," meaning the very best of something. The article "the" and the surrounding context usually signal the police meaning.
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