as in natural foods
US
a piece of food that is meant to be picked up with the fingers and eaten
Waiters offered the guests finger food during the cocktail hour.
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Recent Examples of finger foods
One of the ultimate Southern finger foods, these hush puppies were made for an outdoor party.
—
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Originals, cards, giclee prints and more will be available for sale and finger foods will be served.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Allen is brought finger foods on a tray and is not allowed utensils, the source said.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The food shies away from the typical — no crab rangoon here — for finger foods that harken to cuisines outside the South Pacific, like Jamaican style jerk shrimp skewers ($18) and salmon ceviche ($16).
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
For example, a traditional caprese salad can be transformed into finger foods by alternating cherry tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella and leaves of basil on skewers.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
For a more relaxed vibe, consider keeping things simple with tasty finger foods and letting everyone settle in for a Halloween movie marathon once the kids return home.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Patrons can expect finger foods like wings and dips, healthy options including salads and fish, indulgent pastas and a burger program that Gurland is especially excited about.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Brennan Long, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
Originals, cards, giclee prints and more will be available for sale and finger foods will be served.
—Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
Allen is brought finger foods on a tray and is not allowed utensils, the source said.
—Cara Tabachnick, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
The food shies away from the typical — no crab rangoon here — for finger foods that harken to cuisines outside the South Pacific, like Jamaican style jerk shrimp skewers ($18) and salmon ceviche ($16).
—Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 6 Feb. 2026
For example, a traditional caprese salad can be transformed into finger foods by alternating cherry tomatoes, chunks of mozzarella and leaves of basil on skewers.
—Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 23 Nov. 2025
For a more relaxed vibe, consider keeping things simple with tasty finger foods and letting everyone settle in for a Halloween movie marathon once the kids return home.
—Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Patrons can expect finger foods like wings and dips, healthy options including salads and fish, indulgent pastas and a burger program that Gurland is especially excited about.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for finger foods
Noun
-
Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick is designed especially for kitchen electrics, meaning PFAS-free, healthier meals and food slides right off.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 May 2026
-
More than 1,000 students took advantage of that opportunity last year, sitting in on classes and meals, attending social events and sleeping over.—
Jon Marcus,
NPR,
16 May 2026
Noun
-
Save the wine for dinner and ask about the drink of the day to make the most of the talented bartenders who delight in inventing new cocktails.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 May 2026
-
The restaurant offers Latin American dishes in a restaurant known for its vibrant ambiance and cocktails.—
Evan Moore
May 14,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Noun
-
Fuel shortages mean transporting goods is more expensive, so prices for energy, food, medicine and other basic items have also risen as supplies begin to dwindle.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
16 May 2026
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On Saturday, May 16, International Pickle Day, Smoothie King customers can enjoy a free 4-ounce Pickle Smoothie in stores only while supplies last.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Finger foods.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/finger%20foods. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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