finger
finger — noun
1. Each hand ends in a set of slender jointed extensions, typically four alongside
Each hand ends in a set of slender jointed extensions, typically four alongside a shorter thicker one called the thumb. These make it possible to grasp items, lift them, and detect textures.
Linh held the tiny bird gently between her fingers.
collocation: between one's fingers
The doctor asked Aaron to raise his right index finger.
specific finger names: index finger
Sofia drummed her fingers on the wooden table while waiting for the bus.
Tamar's fingers were red and stiff after walking home in the snow.
Tariq counted the coins one by one using his thumb and forefinger.
文法句型
[countable] finger + noun (finger bone, finger joint)
用法筆記
In everyday English, the word finger usually refers to the four digits that are not the thumb. The thumb is considered a finger only in formal or anatomical contexts.
常見錯誤
2. In a hand covering such as a glove, the tube-shaped section designed to enclose
In a hand covering such as a glove, the tube-shaped section designed to enclose one digit snugly.
Ayesha noticed a small hole in the index finger of her woollen glove.
pattern: [specific finger] + of + glove
The tailor carefully sewed each finger of the leather gloves by hand.
Christopher's glove had a tear at the tip of the middle finger.
During the snowfall, Hoa wore gloves with extra-long fingers to keep her wrists warm.
文法句型
[countable] finger of + noun (finger of a glove)
用法筆記
This sense is always used with a possessive or of-phrase (the finger of a glove, the glove's finger). It is never used alone to mean 'glove'.
常見錯誤
3. Something shaped like a digit — for example, a thin strip of ground that juts in
Something shaped like a digit — for example, a thin strip of ground that juts into a lake, a chocolate-covered pastry stick, or a narrow beam of sunlight entering a room.
A long finger of land stretched out into the calm blue lake.
pattern: finger of + land / coastline
Selim ate a chocolate finger with his afternoon tea.
collocation: chocolate finger / bread finger
A thin finger of light crept through the gap in the curtains.
The children each took a bread finger from the basket on the table.
Waves crashed against the narrow finger of coastline on both sides.
文法句型
[countable] a finger of + noun (a finger of land / cake / light)
用法筆記
This sense is mostly used in descriptive writing rather than everyday conversation. Common patterns are a finger of land, a finger of light, or a finger of cake/bread.
finger — verb
1. To run your fingers over or against the surface of something, often to examine h
To run your fingers over or against the surface of something, often to examine how it feels, to check its condition, or to handle it nervously.
The potter fingered the wet clay gently, searching for any small cracks.
finger + material to check condition
Hassan fingered the rough stone wall, wondering how old the building was.
Léa fingered the soft silk fabric of the dress, impressed by its quality.
Élise fingered the edge of the letter in her pocket, too nervous to read it.
The old man fingered the worn photographs with surprising tenderness.
文法句型
finger + noun phrase
用法筆記
This sense describes a hand motion that is often slow, gentle, or thoughtful. It is different from grab, hold, or squeeze, which suggest more force.
常見錯誤
2. To inform the authorities, especially the police, that a specific individual has
To inform the authorities, especially the police, that a specific individual has committed an illegal act and should be held responsible.
The witness fingered the driver as the person who had caused the accident.
pattern: finger + person + as + noun
No one in the group wanted to be fingered for leaking the secret plan.
passive: be fingered for + noun
Sirin was afraid that her brother would finger her for the missing money.
The police report fingered two men from the neighbourhood as the main suspects.
文法句型
finger + person + as + noun phrase
finger + person + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently used in crime reports, police procedurals, and informal contexts. More formal alternatives are identify, accuse, or name as a suspect.
常見錯誤
3. To press the keys, strings, or holes of a musical instrument using a specific ar
To press the keys, strings, or holes of a musical instrument using a specific arrangement of the digits so that the correct notes sound.
The pianist fingered the opening chords of the sonata with great care.
finger + chords / notes on an instrument
The guitar teacher showed Tara how to finger the notes for the new song.
To play this piece smoothly, you must finger each key at the right speed.
The violinist fingered the strings carefully while reading the sheet music in front of her.
文法句型
finger + noun (instrument / notes / chords)
finger a piece of music
用法筆記
Music teachers and advanced players use this sense frequently. The related noun fingering refers to the specific pattern of finger positions for playing a passage.