ring finger

American  

noun

ring fingers plural

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

---

ring finger British  

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• ring fingers
  plural

Etymology

Origin of ring finger

before 1000; Middle English, Old English

Example Sentences

When prenatal estrogen levels are higher relative to testosterone, the index finger tends to be longer than the ring finger.

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

People reported that the model was seen showing off the ring on her left-hand ring finger as she joined Hemsworth and his brothers for a getaway in Ibiza, where they celebrated Chris Hemsworth’s 42nd birthday.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 12, 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

He took a ring from his finger, and gently placed it on the ring finger of her left hand.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock