noun
finger
FIHNG-guh
noun
1
One of the five slender parts extending from the hand, used for touching, holding, and grasping.
"She pointed at the map with her finger."
verb
1
To identify or blame someone, especially to the authorities.
"A witness fingered him as the getaway driver."
2
To touch, poke, or feel something with the fingers.
"He fingered the fabric to check its quality."
How to Use Finger
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMainly the body part on the hand; informally, to identify someone as guilty.
Common pairings
finger someone for a crime
point a finger
lift a finger
Word Forms
fingered past tense, fingers singular
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Etymology
From Old English finger, related to German Finger and Dutch vinger, ultimately traced back to the Indo-European word for "five" — fingers being the five digits of the hand.