noun

1. any of the five jointed parts projecting from the palm of the hand; esp., any of these other than the thumb
2. the part of a glove that covers one of these parts
3. anything resembling a finger in shape or use
4. ☆ a rough unit of measure based on
   1. the breadth of a finger ( inch to 1 inch), as in measuring whiskey in a glass
   2. Now Rare the length of a man's middle finger (about 4 inches)
5. Mech. a projecting part coming into contact with another part and controlling its motion

Etymology: ME < OE, akin to Ger finger, Goth figgrs, prob. < IE base *penkwe, five

transitive verb

1. to touch or handle with the fingers; use the fingers on
2. Now Rare to take; steal
3. ☆ to point out; indicate or designate, specif. in senses of put the finger on (see phrase below)
4. Music
   1. to play (an instrument, chord, etc.) by using the fingers in a certain way or sequence on strings, keys, etc.
   2. to mark (a score) with directions for the way to use the fingers

intransitive verb

1. to use the fingers in a certain way or sequence on a musical instrument
2. to be fingered: said of musical instruments
3. to extend (out, across, etc.) like a finger