middle finger

noun

: the midmost of the five digits of the hand

Examples of middle finger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s because the Yankees shortstop hurt his right middle finger while diving back to first base during the ninth inning of Sunday’s loss to the Brewers. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 11 May 2026 Tradwifery carries an undercurrent of trolling—a middle finger raised at anyone antagonized by women boasting about catering to their husband’s every whim. Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026 The Cubs on Friday activated Ethan Roberts, who suffered a freak injury to his right middle finger while working out in mid-April, and sent Gavin Hollowell down to Triple-A Iowa. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026 The move was like giving the Italian government—and the EU’s clean energy targets—the middle finger. IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for middle finger

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Middle finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/middle%20finger. Accessed 16 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

middle finger

noun
: the third finger of the hand if the thumb is counted as the first

Medical Definition

middle finger

noun
: the midmost of the five digits of the hand
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