forefinger

American

[fawr-fing-ger, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌfɪŋ gər, ˈfoʊr- /

noun

the first finger next to the thumb.

forefinger British

/ ˈfɔːˌfɪŋɡə /

noun

Also called: index finger. the finger next to the thumb

"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 forefinger

First recorded in 1400–50, forefinger is from the late Middle English word forefyngure. See fore-, finger

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.

Mustaine says, rubbing a forefinger over his black knit cap that hides his leonine locks.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

The procedure, called umbilical cord milking, involves gently squeezing the cord between the thumb and forefinger and pushing the blood into the newborn's abdomen.

From Science Daily • Nov. 9, 2023

Simultaneously, people had to press a button on the steering wheel with their left forefinger each time a small device attached to their left collarbone vibrated.

From Scientific American • Jul. 28, 2023

Carmy asks if his mom was psycho as he nervously drums a spoon between his thumb and forefinger.

From Salon • Jun. 29, 2023

The major turned and poked his forefinger into Mace’s chest.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

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