fingerspelling

American

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

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of fingerspelling

finger + spelling

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.

Alice Rash, a teacher at the California School for the Deaf, added that she was impressed by the nuance in Jackie and his father’s exchange, like the use of fingerspelling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2022

I pressed “play” again and watched Will’s careful signing, his fingerspelling, his nervous relief at the end.

From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2021

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 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

As with many languages, there are variations in fingerspelling actions based on what region you're from, what your family speaks or how old you are.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2013

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