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

As the shoot unfolds, Clyde can be found affectionately rubbing Hayley’s hand, gently playing with the wedding band on her ring finger.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

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

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

His left hand with a gold band around his ring finger.

From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia