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

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 remember just seeing his little hand; his pinkie ring finger and middle finger," she says.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2025

However, watchful red carpet fans and reporters peeped another massive ring on her left ring finger.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2025

“It’s important,” I started, noticing the deep-set lines on her ring finger where her wedding band used to sit.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall