noun

middle finger

MID-uhl FING-guhr

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Middle finger (noun) means an offensive hand gesture made by raising the middle finger with the other fingers folded down, used to express contempt or defiance. Example: “He gave the referee the middle finger and was sent off.”

noun

offensive An offensive hand gesture made by raising the middle finger with the other fingers folded down, used to express contempt or defiance.

"He gave the referee the middle finger and was sent off."

"Flipping someone the middle finger will not help your case."

The longest finger of the hand, lying between the index finger and the ring finger.

"She wore the ring on her middle finger."

"The splint runs from the wrist to the middle finger."

informal A deliberate act of defiance or rejection aimed at an authority or convention.

"The album was a middle finger to everything the label wanted."

How to use middle finger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe longest finger on your hand, and the rude sign made by holding it up.

When to use it

The anatomical sense is neutral; the gesture sense is offensive and unsuitable for formal or professional contexts.

Memory tip

In medical and anatomical writing this digit is usually called the third digit or digitus medius.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

index finger ring finger forefinger →

Common pairings

give someone the middle finger raise the middle finger middle finger of the left hand

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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”.

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Can you complete this real example?

He gave the referee the _____ and was sent off.

Etymology

From Middle English myddel fynger. By surface analysis, middle + finger.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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the finger one-finger salute long finger third finger act of defiance rebuke snub

Related words

cut ignore lecture reject insult rejection disregard criticize

Rhymes for middle finger

Inger finger ginger singer winger ringer linger zinger wringer stinger swinger bringer

See all rhymes for middle finger →

Frequently asked questions

Which finger is the middle finger?

The third digit counting from the thumb, sitting between the index and ring fingers. It is the longest finger on most hands.

What does the middle finger gesture mean?

Raised on its own, it is a wordless insult expressing contempt, anger or defiance. It is considered rude across most of the English-speaking world and can count as disorderly conduct in some settings.

Why do people wear rings on the middle finger?

There is no traditional meaning attached to it, unlike the ring finger, so it is usually a matter of fit or style. Larger statement rings are often worn there because it is the widest and longest finger.

What is the meaning of middle finger?

"middle finger" (noun) means an offensive hand gesture made by raising the middle finger with the other fingers folded down, used to express contempt or defiance.

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cut ignore lecture reject insult rejection disregard criticize