index finger

noun

: the finger next to the thumb

called also forefinger

Examples of index finger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Bryant has dealt with a sore lower back, plantar fasciitis, a bruised left heel and a broken left index finger that limited him to 122 games (42 in 2022, 80 in 2023) in his first two seasons in a Rockies uniform. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 11 Feb. 2024 Even before Justin Herbert broke the index finger on his right hand and missed the final four games, the offense was struggling. Joe Reedy, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 Burton developed a hybrid picking style that used a flat pick between his thumb and index finger, as well as a fingerpick on his middle finger. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2024 Imagine pinching a piece of paper between your thumb and index finger, for example. Sabrina Sholts, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2024 A number of us scrolled through iPhones with our index fingers or exchanged small talk, occasionally slipping into English by accident. Jamil Jan Kochai, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Obama's arrival at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in January 2012 created controversy when then-Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer was captured in an infamous photo pointing her index finger at the president in a scolding manner. The Arizona Republic, 12 Feb. 2024 After initial setup with my index finger and thumb, the phone would only unlock about 15% of the time using the fingerprint reader. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 31 Jan. 2024 The fifth-year player, who took over when Justin Herbert broke his right index finger during the second quarter against Denver on Dec. 10, was unable to get the Chargers into the end zone in last week's 16-9 loss to the Broncos. Joe Reedy, USA TODAY, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'index finger.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of index finger was in 1849

Dictionary Entries Near index finger

Cite this Entry

“Index finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/index%20finger. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

index finger

noun
: the finger next to the thumb

Medical Definition

index finger

noun
: the finger next to the thumb

called also forefinger

More from Merriam-Webster on index finger

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