finger

American  

[fing-ger] / ˈfɪŋ gər /

noun

1. any of the terminal members of the hand, especially one other than the thumb.

2. a part of a glove made to receive a finger.

3. Zoology. a projection at the tip of an elephant’s trunk that facilitates dexterity essential for grasping.

   If there are two fingers, it must be an African elephant, as the Asian elephant has only one.

4. the breadth of a finger as a unit of measurement; digit.

5. the length of a finger: approximately 4½ inches (11 centimeters).

6. Slang. an informer or spy.

7. something like a finger in form or use, as a projection or pointer.

   a finger of land leading out into the bay;

   the finger on the speedometer.

8. any of various projecting parts of machines.

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verb (used with object)

1. to touch with the fingers; toy or meddle with; handle.

   I couldn't refrain from fingering the beautiful silk scarves.

2. to touch with the fingers so as to mar or spoil.

   Please don't finger the vegetables.

3. to pilfer; filch.

4. Music.

   1. to play on (an instrument) with the fingers.

   2. to perform or mark (a passage of music) with a certain fingering.

5. Slang.

   1. to inform against or identify (a criminal) to the authorities.

      He fingered the man who robbed the bank.

   2. to designate as a victim, as of murder or other crime.

6. Slang: Vulgar. to stimulate (the vagina or anus) for sexual gratification by penetration with one or more fingers.

verb (used without object)

1. to touch or handle something with the fingers.

2. to extend in or as in the shape of a finger.

   Landing piers finger out into the river along the city's shoreline.

idioms

1. give (someone) the finger, to express contempt for (someone) by or as if by making the obscene gesture of pointing the middle finger upward while folding the other fingers against the palm and turning the back of the hand outward: Also flip (someone) the bird

   Someone gave me the finger for driving too slow.

2. have a finger in the pie,

   1. to have an interest or share in something.

   2. to meddle in something.

3. burn one's fingers, to suffer injury or loss by meddling or by acting rashly.

   If you get involved in the controversy, you may burn your fingers.

4. snap one's fingers (at), to exhibit disdain or contempt (for).

   She snaps her fingers at the local gossip.

5. slip through one's fingers,

   1. to elude one, as an opportunity not taken; escape.

      She let the chance of a lifetime slip through her fingers.

   2. to pass or be consumed quickly.

      Money just slips through his fingers.

6. keep one's fingers crossed, to wish for good luck or success, as in a specific endeavor.

   Keep your fingers crossed that I get the job.

7. twist / wrap around one's little finger, to exert one's influence easily or successfully upon.

   He has a remarkable talent for twisting people around his little finger.

8. lay / put one's finger on,

   1. to indicate exactly; remember.

      I know the name, but I can't put my finger on it.

   2. to discover; locate.

      I haven't been able to lay my finger on the book you requested.

9. put the finger on, finger.

10. not lift a finger, to make not even a small attempt; do nothing.

    The house was falling into ruin, but he wouldn't lift a finger to repair it.

finger British  

/ ˈfɪŋɡə /

noun

1. 1. Technical name: digitus manus.  any of the digits of the hand, often excluding the thumb

   2. ( as modifier )

      a finger bowl

   3. ( in combination )

      a fingernail

2. the part of a glove made to cover a finger

3. something that resembles a finger in shape or function

   a finger of land

4. Also called: digit.  the length or width of a finger used as a unit of measurement

5. a quantity of liquid in a glass, etc, as deep as a finger is wide; tot

6. a projecting machine part, esp one serving as an indicator, guide, or guard

7. to suffer from having meddled or been rash

8. informal to begin or speed up activity, esp after initial delay or slackness

9. 1. to have an interest in or take part in some activity

   2. to meddle or interfere

10. (usually negative) to harm

11. to indicate, identify, or locate accurately

12. to allow to escape; miss narrowly

13. (foll by an infinitive) not to make any effort (to do something)

14. to accuse or blame

15. informal

    1. to inform on or identify, esp for the police

    2. to choose (the victim or location of an intended crime)

16. to have easy and complete control or influence over

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verb

1. (tr) to touch or manipulate with the fingers; handle

2. informal (tr) to identify as a criminal or suspect

3. (intr) to extend like a finger

4. to use one's fingers in playing (an instrument, such as a piano or clarinet)

5. to indicate on (a composition or part) the fingering required by a pianist, harpsichordist, etc

6. (tr; usually passive) to arrange the keys of (a clarinet, flute, etc) for playing in a certain way

finger More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing finger

• at one's fingertips
• burn one's fingers
• cross one's fingers
• give someone the finger
• lay a finger on
• let slip (through the fingers)
• not lift a finger
• point the finger at
• put one's finger on
• put the finger on
• snap one's fingers at
• sticky fingers
• twist around one's finger
• work one's fingers to the bone

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Other Word Forms

• fingerer
  noun
• fingerless
  adjective
• refinger
  verb

Etymology

Origin of finger

First recorded before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with German Finger, Dutch vinger, Old Norse fingr, Gothic figgrs

Explanation

Your fingers are the four digits on each of your hands—or five if you include your thumb. We use our fingers for holding things, scratching, snapping, finger painting, and much more. Our fingers help us sense the world around us and manipulate or move things. Using your fingers, you can play the piano, speak in sign language, and flash a peace sign by forming a V with your first two fingers. As a verb, this word means to touch something with your fingers: "He nervously fingers his tie as he waits for his job interview." Finger stems from a root word meaning "five."

Example Sentences

The biggest advance in preventive medicine might well be that thin band on your wrist or titanium ring on your finger.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

It was not clear where or when the image, which showed Edwards holding his right arm in the air and a finger to his nose, was obtained, although Reform said it was taken in 2019.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

How the Spurs’ star destroys NBA offenses without laying a finger on the ball.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

Then, the sight that would have sent a chill up the spine of every Hearts fan - referee John Beaton stopping dead in his tracks with his finger to his ear.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

You sit, trace the floral design with your finger.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• claw
• index finger
• ring finger
• thumb