What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
finger
Example
She counted on her fingers to make sure she had enough money. [fingers: noun]
Example
He fingered the guitar strings expertly, producing a beautiful melody. [fingered: verb]
thumb
Example
She sucked her thumb for comfort when she was nervous. [thumb: noun]
Example
He thumbed through the pages of the book, searching for a specific passage. [thumbed: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finger is more commonly used than thumb in everyday language. Finger is a general term that covers all the digits on the hand except for the thumb, which is a more specific term.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between finger and thumb?
Both finger and thumb are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
