finger
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
One of the five long, thin parts at the end of the human hand, usually including the thumb.
Any part of a device resembling a finger in shape or function; to touch or handle with the fingers; to identify or point out.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word 'finger' can refer to any of the four digits excluding the thumb, though in some contexts the thumb is included. Its verb form implies physical interaction or identification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is identical. Some regional idioms may vary (e.g., 'give someone the finger' is universal, but 'finger pie' is a British regional term).
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The verb 'to finger' (slang, to identify for arrest) is more strongly associated with US police/crime jargon.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects. The noun is a fundamental body part term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
finger + noun (finger the fabric)have + a + adjective + finger (have a sticky finger)verb + one's + fingers (count on one's fingers)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “burn one's fingers”
- “have a finger in every pie”
- “put one's finger on something”
- “twist around one's little finger”
- “work one's fingers to the bone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in idioms (e.g., 'keep your finger on the pulse').
Academic
Rare in core texts, except in anatomy, music, or computing contexts.
Everyday
Extremely common for describing actions, gestures, and body parts.
Technical
Used in anatomy, computing (e.g., 'finger protocol'), mechanics (e.g., 'finger joint'), and music (e.g., 'fingering').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully fingered the pages of the antique book.
- The witness refused to finger anyone in the lineup.
American English
- She fingered the keys on the piano before beginning.
- The informant fingered the gang leader for the police.
adjective
British English
- The bakery sold delicious finger buns.
- He suffered a nasty finger injury while gardening.
American English
- We served finger sandwiches at the party.
- She wore a special finger splint after the accident.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have five fingers on my hand.
- She pointed her finger at the map.
- The baby sucked his finger.
- He cut his finger while chopping vegetables.
- She wore a beautiful ring on her ring finger.
- I can't quite put my finger on what's wrong.
- The scandal pointed a finger at several senior executives.
- She didn't lift a finger to help with the cleaning.
- The child's fingers were numb from the cold.
- The journalist's article put the finger on the government's hypocrisy.
- He has a finger in every pie, from real estate to tech start-ups.
- The pianist's agile fingers flew across the keyboard.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine your FINGERS are FINely crafted GRaspers.
Conceptual Metaphor
FINGERS ARE TOOLS (for pointing, manipulating, measuring), FINGERS ARE INDICATORS (of blame, direction).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not use 'finger' to translate 'палец на ноге' – that is 'toe'.
- In Russian, 'перст' is archaic/poetic; 'finger' is the everyday term.
- Avoid calquing 'long fingers' from 'длинные пальцы' to mean 'thief' – not an English idiom.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'finger' for 'toe'.
- Saying 'five fingers' (including thumb) vs. 'four fingers and a thumb'.
- Misspelling as 'finguer'.
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'twist someone around your little finger' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, 'finger' often excludes the thumb. Anatomically, the thumb is a digit (a pollex), but in everyday language, people say 'four fingers and a thumb'.
'Finger' refers to the digits of the hand. 'Toe' refers to the digits of the foot. They are not interchangeable.
Yes. It primarily means to touch or feel with the fingers. In slang (especially US), it can also mean to identify someone, often to the authorities.
Thumb, index finger (forefinger), middle finger, ring finger, little finger (pinky).
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Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.
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