finger

1 of 2

noun

fin·​ger ˈfiŋ-gər 

1

: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb

especially : one other than the thumb

2

a

: something that resembles a finger

a narrow finger of land

b

: a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted

c

: a projecting piece (such as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion

3

: the breadth of a finger

4

: interest, share

—often used in the phrase have a finger in the pie

5

: bird sense 10

—usually used with the

fingerlike

ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌlīk 

adjective

finger

2 of 2

verb

fingered; fingering ˈfiŋ-g(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to touch or feel with the fingers

2

a

: to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers

b

: to play (notes, chords, etc.) with a specific fingering

c

: to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing

3

: to point out : identify

4

: to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger

intransitive verb

1

: to touch or handle something

2

a

: to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument

b

: to have a certain fingering

—used of a musical instrument

3

: to extend in the shape or manner of a finger

Synonyms

Verb

• identify
• pinpoint
• find
• distinguish

Examples of finger in a Sentence

Noun

Don't stick your fingers in the cookie batter!

He slipped the ring onto her finger.

The baby held onto my thumb with her tiny fingers.

She ran her fingers through his hair.

He drummed his fingers on the table impatiently.

a finger of land extending into the sea

She was so mad, she gave him the finger.

Some angry driver flipped me the finger on the highway this morning.

Verb

He was fingered as a suspect.

thus far authorities haven't been able to finger the person who's been lighting fires around town

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Her bureau drawers held scraps of paper, postcards from friends, and light scarves that slipped through my fingers. —Rebecca Chace july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025

The technology exists to prove whether fingers touched the screen, which apps were actively used, and whether incoming notifications were even seen. —Lars Daniel, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Verb

The country has also been fingered as a vehicle for the transshipment of finished goods from China as a means of circumventing trade barriers. —Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025

There’s a shot of Michele caressing her face, and another of Christopher fingering his wedding ring. —Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fingar finger

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1521, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2a

Phrases Containing finger

• finger bowl
• finger food
• finger hole
• finger paint
• finger painting
• finger-pointing
• finger spelling
• finger wave
• fish finger
• five-finger
• flipped me the finger
• gave him the finger
• give (someone) the finger
• have a finger in a/the/every pie
• have/keep/put one's finger on the pulse of
• index finger
• lay a finger on
• lift a finger
• little finger
• middle finger
• point an accusing finger at
• point a/the finger at
• put one's finger on
• put the finger on
• ring finger
• the finger
• the finger of blame/suspicion
• wrap (someone) around one's (little) finger

Rhymes for finger

• linger
• forefinger

Video

When Body Parts Are Also Verbs

Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes

Kids Definition

finger

1 of 2 noun

fin·​ger ˈfiŋ-gər 

1

: one of the five divisions of the end of the hand

especially : one other than the thumb

2

a

: something that resembles or does the work of a finger

b

: a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted

3

: the width of a finger

fingered

-gərd

adjective

fingerlike

-gər-ˌlīk 

adjective

finger

2 of 2 verb

fingered; fingering -g(ə-)riŋ 

1

: to touch with the fingers : handle

2

: to perform with the fingers or with a certain fingering

Medical Definition

finger

noun

fin·​ger ˈfiŋ-gər 

: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb

especially : one other than the thumb

Legal Definition

finger

transitive verb

fin·​ger

fingered; fingering

: to accuse or identify as guilty

was fingered simply because he fit the stereotype of a young, black street criminal

—Jack Ewing