1
: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb
especially
: one other than the thumb
2
a
: something that resembles a finger
a narrow finger of land
b
: a part of a glove into which a finger is inserted
c
: a projecting piece (such as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion
3
: the breadth of a finger
5
: bird sense 10
—usually used with the
fingered; fingering
ˈfiŋ-g(ə-)riŋ
1
: to touch or feel with the fingers
2
a
: to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers
b
: to play (notes, chords, etc.) with a specific fingering
c
: to mark the notes of (a music score) as a guide in playing
3
: to point out : identify
4
: to extend into or penetrate in the shape of a finger
1
: to touch or handle something
2
a
: to use the fingers in playing a musical instrument
b
: to have a certain fingering
—used of a musical instrument
3
: to extend in the shape or manner of a finger
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finger. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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