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.
Look to the western horizon after sunset on March 22 to find the Pleiades glowing 5 degrees above the 14%-lit sickle-like form of the waxing moon — roughly the width of your three middle fingers held at arm's length against the sky. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 22 Mar. 2026 Place your index and middle fingers on the board – both fingertips should be behind the bolts on the top. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 The woman with Tracy performed a delicate operation to remove the ring, dress unscathed and get it back on Stone’s middle finger. Lindsey Bahr, Chicago Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026 The woman with Tracy performed a delicate operation to remove the ring, dress unscathed and get it back on Stone’s middle finger. ABC News, 15 Mar. 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 25 Mar. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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