forefinger

[ fawr-fing-ger, fohr- ]

noun

1. the first finger next to the thumb.

forefinger

/ ˈfɔːˌfɪŋɡə /

noun

1. the finger next to the thumb Also calledindex finger

Word History and Origins

Origin of forefinger¹

First recorded in 1400–50, forefinger is from the late Middle English word forefyngure. See fore-, finger

Example Sentences

They’re lightweight, attach to your forefinger and fit comfortably in your palm, so you can carry other items and nearly forget they’re there until you need them.

From Los Angeles Times

A lovingly acquired brushed-steel spoon that you can cradle between your forefinger and thumb and use to collect all your tears about everything, everyone, everywhere, because why is it all so hard?

From Los Angeles Times

In China, the faithful do a bathing ceremony that involves pouring scented blessed water over a statue of the infant Buddha whose right forefinger is pointed upwards toward the sky and left forefinger is pointing down to the Earth.

From Seattle Times

She did it a few times before slicing herself right in the tender part between thumb and forefinger.

From Literature

Cat held out her thumb and forefinger so they were almost touching.

From Literature