Learn the correct English names for the parts of the hand and fingers, plus common idioms and expressions that use them.
“The outstretched palm of the hand displaying the thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger and little finger.”
The Five Finger Names in English
Your index finger is the finger next to your thumb, the one you use to point. It’s also called the forefinger or pointer finger. Here are all five finger names:
- Thumb: the short, thick finger on the side of your hand.
- Index finger (forefinger, pointer finger): next to the thumb; we use it to point.
- Middle finger: the longest finger, in the middle of the hand.
- Ring finger: between the middle finger and the little finger. Many people wear a wedding ring on it.
- Little finger (pinky): the smallest finger, on the outside of the hand.
Related Hand or Fingers Expressions:
- All hands on deck (idiom) – Everyone is needed to help with a task or problem.
- Fat fingers (slang) – Clumsy or inaccurate typing.
- Get your hands dirty (idiom) – To participate in physical work that may be messy or unpleasant.
- Green fingers (idiom) – A skilled gardener.
- Have a finger in many pies (idiom) – To be involved in many different things or projects at the same time.
- Keep your fingers crossed (idiom) – Hope for a positive outcome or result.
- Point the finger (idiom) – to blame or accuse someone of something.
- Rule of thumb (idiom) – A general guideline or principle that is based on experience or common sense.
- Rule with an iron fist (idiom) – To be very strict and authoritative in leadership or control.
Related Vocabulary:
Try using a few of these words in a sentence about your own hands — it’s a simple way to make new vocabulary stick.
- Clasp (verb): To hold or grip tightly.
- Claw (noun): A curved, pointed nail on the end of a finger or toe.
- Clench (verb): To grip or hold tightly.
- Digits (noun): The numbers 0–9; also, the fingers and toes.
- Fist (noun): A clenched hand.
- Grip (verb): To hold firmly.
- Knuckles (noun): The joints of the fingers.
- Nails (noun): The hard covering on the upper surface parts at the tips of the fingers and toes.
- Wrists (noun): The joint between the hand and the arm.
In the News
Spotted in the newsWhy Pinky Rings Are The Ultimate Fashion Power Moverefinery29.comListen to how each word is pronounced:
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s the finger next to your thumb, the one you use to point. It’s also called the forefinger or pointer finger.
Thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger (also called the “pinky”).
Technically no — in everyday English, “fingers” usually means the four digits excluding the thumb, though anatomically it’s still a digit.
“Digits” is the umbrella term for all five — thumb included. “Fingers” is the everyday word people actually use, and usually excludes the thumb.
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