fingerspelling

American  

[fing-ger-spel-ing] / ˈfɪŋ gərˌspɛl ɪŋ /

noun

1. the communication in sign language of a word or other expression by rendering its written form letter by letter in a manual alphabet.

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Etymology

Origin of fingerspelling

finger + spelling

Example Sentences

I press “play” again on the video and watch Will’s careful signing, his fingerspelling, his nervous relief at the end.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2022

The company launched fingerspelling mobile app Ace ASL for iOS in April, and for Android earlier this month.

From The Verge • Sep. 21, 2021

“I was filming my show about 75 hours a week, but I was always fingerspelling between takes,” said Jones, 19, referring to the practice of using one’s fingers to form individual letters.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 13, 2021

I spoke to Richer via email about what she thought of this year’s Oscars, her experience working on The Shape of Water, and that one particularly profane fingerspelling scene.

From Slate • Mar. 12, 2018

But there's a big cultural and political difference between fingerspelling and British Sign Language.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2013