ring finger

American  

noun

1. the finger next to the little finger, especially of the left hand, on which an engagement ring or wedding band is traditionally worn.

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ring finger British  

noun

1. the third finger, esp of the left hand, on which a wedding ring is traditionally worn

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Etymology

Origin of ring finger

before 1000; Middle English, Old English

Example Sentences

This measure compares the length of the index finger to the ring finger, a relationship called the 2D:4D ratio.

From Science Daily • Feb. 10, 2026

Ironically, considering her profession, she is missing her left ring finger, a loss that is noted several times but cannily goes unexplained.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

The 32-year-old, who was initially a goalkeeper, also lost his ring finger on his right hand aged just 13 in a childhood accident.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

“I’d come home and be like, ‘Yeah, I’ve got this,’” Quentin said, shaking his ring finger.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2025

He turned on his nightstand light and grabbed her hand, looking at her ring finger.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman