index finger

noun

: the finger next to the thumb

called also forefinger

Examples of index finger in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once the entire edge is rolled, place the index finger and thumb of one hand on the inside edge of the ridge and use the index finger of your other hand to push the outside edge toward the center of the pie, forming a V or U shape. — Melissa Weller, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Oct. 2026 Two macro buttons sit just in reach of your middle and index fingers, and the slightly textured shoulder buttons are pleasant to the touch. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 The two exchanged gunfire, and she was shot in the thigh and knee and wounded in her index finger. — Meagan Harris, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 Users interact with apps by using their eyesight as a mouse and tapping their thumb to their index finger to click. — Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for index finger

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of index finger was in 1849

Rhymes for index finger

See All Rhymes for index finger

Browse Nearby Words

index expurgatorius
index finger
index forest
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Index finger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/index%20finger. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

index finger

noun
: the finger next to the thumb

Medical Definition

index finger

noun
: the finger next to the thumb

called also forefinger

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