Synonyms

fingerbreadth

American

[fing-ger-bredth, -bretth] / ˈfɪŋ gərˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ /

noun

the breadth of a finger: approximately 3/4 inch (2 centimeters).

fingerbreadth British

/ ˈfɪŋɡəˌbrɛdθ, -ˌbrɛtθ /

noun

the width of a finger, used as an indication of length

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of fingerbreadth

First recorded in 1585–95; finger + breadth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It’s where Ray Lewis looked boundless as the Giants looked hopeless, and it’s where Santonio Holmes used a fingerbreadth of end zone to make a breathtaking catch.

From Washington Post

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023