final*/*/*/

[ˈfaɪn(ə)l] adj I

1) existing at the end of a process

These issues will be discussed in the final report.[/ex]

The final score was 2–2.[/ex]

2) last in a series

The final payment is due next month.[/ex]

3) if something is final, it cannot be changed

The editor's decision is final.[/ex]

4) showing that something has finished

the final whistle of the match[/ex]

II

noun

final [ˈfaɪn(ə)l]

1) [C] the last game, race etc in a competition, that decides who wins the whole competition

2) finals

[plural] the last set of examinations that students take before they finish at a college or university

3) [C] American

the last examination that students take before they finish a class at a school or university