fingering

American  

[fing-ger-ing] / ˈfɪŋ gər ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person who fingers.

2. Music.

   1. the action or method of using the fingers in playing on an instrument.

   2. the indication of the way the fingers are to be used in performing a piece of music.

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fingering ¹ British  

/ ˈfɪŋɡərɪŋ /

noun

1. the technique or art of using one's fingers in playing a musical instrument, esp the piano

2. the numerals in a musical part indicating this

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fingering ² British  

/ ˈfɪŋɡərɪŋ /

noun

1. fine wool for knitting

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Etymology

Origin of fingering

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at finger, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Chopin sought to convey these moods through explicit performing directions about fingering, pedaling and slurring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

"I tend now to play parts of chords, rather than fingering the whole damn thing. I use these shortcuts that would be a nightmare for a guitar teacher."

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

She had a leopard scarf elegantly wrapped around her head and was fingering a glittering ring and staring blankly into the distance.

From Reuters • Feb. 7, 2023

He looked away, fingering a frayed edge of the carpet.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

Instead of beating time or correcting their fingering, he spent the hour in a revery staring at their feet.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith