First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1finger
noun fin·ger \ˈfiŋ-gər\
: one of the five long parts of the hand that are used for holding things; especially : one of the four that are not the thumb
: something that is long and thin and looks like a finger
: the part of a glove into which a finger is placed
Full Definition of FINGER
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 (as a pawl for a ratchet) brought into contact with an object to affect its motion
3
: the breadth of a finger
See finger defined for English-language learners
See finger defined for kids
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Origin of FINGER
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fingar finger
Other Anatomy Terms
2finger
verb
: to touch (something) with your fingers
: to identify (someone) as the person who has committed a crime
fin·geredfin·ger·ing \-g(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of FINGER
transitive verb
1
: to touch or feel with the fingers
2
a : to play (a musical instrument) with the fingers b : to play (as notes or chords) 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
intransitive verb
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
See finger defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FINGER
15th century
Related to FINGER
- Synonyms
- distinguish, identify, ID, pinpoint, single (out)
FINGERS Defined for Kids
1finger
noun fin·ger \ˈfiŋ-gər\
Definition of FINGER for Kids
1
: one of the five divisions of the end of the hand including the thumb
2
: something that resembles a finger <a finger of land>
3
: the part of a glove into which a finger goes
2finger
verb
fin·geredfin·ger·ing
Definition of FINGER for Kids
: to touch with the fingers : handle
Medical Dictionary
finger
noun fin·ger \ˈfiŋ-gər\
Medical Definition of FINGER
: any of the five terminating members of the hand : a digit of the forelimb; especially : one other than the thumb
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