Fingers
'fɪŋɡərz
Definitions
2 meaningsThe terminal members of the hand, used for grasping and feeling.
'fɪŋɡərz
The digits of the hand.
He counted on his fingers.
💡 Simply: Your fingers are the five little parts on your hand that help you grab things, like a toy or a snack! They're super helpful for touching, holding, and doing all sorts of things.
👶 For kids: The parts of your hand that help you grab things!
More Examples
She has long, slender fingers.
The pianist's fingers danced across the keys.
How It's Used
"The doctor examined the patient's fingers for signs of arthritis."
"She used her fingers to type a text message."
To touch or manipulate something with the fingers, often in a delicate or exploratory way.
'fɪŋɡər
To touch or handle with the fingers.
He fingered the old photograph.
💡 Simply: To finger something is like gently touching or feeling it with your fingers, like when you're feeling the texture of a soft blanket or playing a musical instrument.
👶 For kids: To touch something with your fingers.
More Examples
She carefully fingered the fabric of the dress.
The violinist skillfully fingers the strings.
How It's Used
"She fingered the guitar strings expertly."
"The artist fingered the clay, shaping it with care."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to have a finger in every pie
To be involved or interested in many different things, especially when this causes problems.
"She has a finger in every pie in the local community, organizing events and running charities."
to be all thumbs
Clumsy and awkward with your hands; not skillful.
"I'm all thumbs when it comes to knitting, so I always end up making mistakes."
Wrap someone around your little finger
To easily persuade or control someone; to manipulate.
"He can wrap his mother around his little finger – she’ll do anything he asks."
From Old English finger (singular), ultimately from Proto-Germanic *fingraz.
Used similarly throughout history to refer to the digits of the hand. The verb form developed later to include delicate handling.
Memory tip
Imagine each finger as a small, independent tool on your hand.
Word Origin
"finger"