finger food

noun

plural finger foods

: a food that is meant to be picked up with the fingers and eaten

Finger foods like apple wedges and strawberries dipped in yogurt make an excellent snack for both parent and child.

—The Knoxville (Tennessee) News-Sentinel

Mashed potatoes are not a finger food.

—Erma Bombeck

Examples of finger food in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Patrons can expect finger foods like wings and dips, healthy options including salads and fish, indulgent pastas and a burger program that Gurland is especially excited about. —Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025

There was finger food aplenty circling, with fresh spring rolls and garlic bread to fuel the guests for their performances. —Penelope Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025

Serving ribbons of asparagus on top of baguette slices turns it from a side dish into a spring-ready finger food. —Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 24 Aug. 2025

Stick to loose-leaf teas, light finger foods, like scones and sandwiches, and charming tableware. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for finger food

• altitude
• amplitude
• aptitude
• attitude
• barbecued
• certitude
• desuetude
• devalued
• finitude
• fortitude
• gratitude
• interlude

Kids Definition

finger food

noun

: a food (as a carrot stick) that is meant to be picked up with the fingers and eaten