little finger

noun

: the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Their little fingers get to work, pouring milk cartons into the liquids bucket, sorting out compostable waste into the food scraps receptacle, placing plastic and paper in the recycling bin, and finally tossing the bits that remain in the garbage. Alison Cross, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2023 The telltale sign is a quivering little finger. New York Times, 4 June 2021 Bertamini suggests that the illusion is caused by the fact that the little finger is considerably smaller than the others, and our visual system tends to assume that smaller things are further away, similar to another illusion called the Ames window. Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 27 July 2019 Worn on the little finger, the subtle jewelry staple is constantly revolving in and out of pop culture and high fashion – from real life royalty to television shows – as a signifier of class and wealth, as well as clan belonging. Frances Solá-santiago, refinery29.com, 9 Mar. 2023 Zach Plesac, on the injured list with a fractured little finger on his right hand, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday after throwing a 25-pitch session on Wednesday. Paul Hoynes, cleveland, 15 Sep. 2022 The little finger belonged to someone who was still growing, but is otherwise nondescript. Bridget Alex, Discover Magazine, 4 Nov. 2016 Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel was scheduled to speak later Wednesday and might announce the status of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who sustained a dislocated little finger on his right (throwing) hand in last week’s 23-21 loss at New England. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2023 The color picture depicts the artist’s hand, missing its little finger and holding in its palm a small black-and-white photo of his mother. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 23 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'little 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

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of little finger was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near little finger

Cite this Entry

“Little finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/little%20finger. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

little finger

noun
: the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first

Medical Definition

little finger

noun
: the fourth and smallest finger of the hand counting the index finger as the first
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!