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

I would squeeze the ball between my middle finger and ring finger, roll my middle finger down the inside of the ball and it would loop up, all whilst keeping my arm speed the same.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2025

News of the engagement broke mere hours after Zendaya turned heads at 2025 Golden Globes, where she was spotted wearing a massive diamond ring on her left ring finger, according to Times columnist Amy Kaufman.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2025

Milkman rubbed the corner of his eye with his ring finger.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison