fingerhold

noun

fin·ger·hold ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌhōld

1

: a hold or place of support for the fingers

2

: a tenuous hold or support

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The destruction had a bleak sameness to it, the warplanes and artillery having obliterated all but a few fingerholds of humanity. —

Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fingerhold.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of fingerhold was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Fingerhold.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerhold. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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