middle finger

American  

[mid-l fing-ger] / ˈmɪd l ˈfɪŋ gər /

noun

1. the finger between the forefinger and the third finger.

2. Slang. an obscene gesture of contempt made by pointing this finger upward while folding the other fingers against the palm; the finger.

   The driver honked his horn and got the middle finger from the biker.

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Usage

What else does middle finger mean? Giving someone the middle finger is an offensive gesture in which a person flips up their middle finger in a fist to show contempt or defiance.

Etymology

Origin of middle finger

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English

Example Sentences

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre could face disciplinary action at the Masters after he directed a middle finger at the 15th green during a quadruple bogey.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

In 15 states and two provinces, we had no close calls, no one pulling behind and honking angrily, no one passing dangerously close and yelling “Get off the road,” not a single middle finger.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 8, 2025

He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and touches the forefinger and middle finger of his right hand to his lips.

From Salon • Sep. 7, 2025

There is a simple tattoo of a windowpane on the middle finger of Eva Victor’s right hand.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2025

Her small right hand with the signet ring on the middle finger was stuck out too, but it made no move toward Aron’s hand.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck