noun

fingerboard

FING-gur-bord

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Fingerboard (noun) means a mostly flat piece running along an instrument's neck against which a player presses the strings to shorten them and so raise their pitch. Example: “The guitarist ran her fingers along the fingerboard as she played.”

noun

music A mostly flat piece running along an instrument's neck against which a player presses the strings to shorten them and so raise their pitch.

"The guitarist ran her fingers along the fingerboard as she played."

"Pressing a string further up the fingerboard shortens it and raises the note."

"He pressed down on the fingerboard to hit the right note."

A miniature skateboard or snowboard that a person moves and controls with their fingers.

"The kids spent the afternoon doing tricks on their fingerboards."

"She keeps a tiny fingerboard ramp on her desk at work."

"Fingerboard tournaments have their own dedicated online community."

How to use fingerboard

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA fingerboard is either the strip on a stringed instrument where you press the strings, or a tiny toy skateboard you play with your fingers.

When to use it

Fingerboard is a standard term among musicians and, separately, among finger-skateboarding hobbyists.

Memory tip

The surrounding context, instruments or toys, tells you which meaning is meant.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

guitar fingerboard violin fingerboard fingerboard tricks

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “fingerboard” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The guitarist ran her fingers along the _____ as she played.

Etymology

Fingerboard is a plain compound, formed by putting together finger and board.

Origin: English

Synonyms

View more →

clavier fingerpost

Related words

fingerpost signpost

Rhymes for fingerboard

board hoard aboard onboard keyboard cupboard outboard seaboard backboard starboard cardboard surfboard

See all rhymes for fingerboard →

Frequently asked questions

What is a fingerboard on a guitar?

It is the flat strip on the neck where you press the strings to play different notes.

What is a fingerboard toy?

It is a tiny skateboard or snowboard that you move and do tricks with using your fingers.

Why do players press down on the fingerboard?

Pressing a string against the fingerboard shortens the length that vibrates, which raises the pitch of the note.

What is the meaning of fingerboard?

"fingerboard" (noun) means a mostly flat piece running along an instrument's neck against which a player presses the strings to shorten them and so raise their pitch.

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