any of the terminal members of the hand, esp. one other than the thumb.

a part of a glove made to receive a finger.

the breadth of a finger as a unit of measurement; digit.

the length of a finger

approximately 4 1 2 in. (11 cm).

Slang . an informer or spy.

something like a finger in form or use, as a projection or pointer

a finger of land leading out into the bay; the finger on the speedometer.

any of various projecting parts of machines.

to touch with the fingers; toy or meddle with; handle.

to touch with the fingers so as to mar or spoil

Please don't finger the vegetables.

to pilfer; filch.

Music .

to play on (an instrument) with the fingers.

to perform or mark (a passage of music) with a certain fingering.

Slang .

to inform against or identify (a criminal) to the authorities

He fingered the man who robbed the bank.

to designate as a victim, as of murder or other crime.

to touch or handle something with the fingers.

to extend in or as in the shape of a finger

Landing piers finger out into the river along the city's shoreline.

burn one's fingers

to suffer injury or loss by meddling or by acting rashly

If you get involved in the controversy, you may burn your fingers.

give (someone) the finger

Slang . to express contempt for by or as by the obscene gesture of pointing the middle finger upward while folding the other fingers against the palm.

have a finger in the pie

to have an interest or share in something.

to meddle in something.

keep one's fingers crossed, to wish for good luck or success

as in a specific endeavor

Keep your fingers crossed that I get the job.

lay or put one's finger on

to indicate exactly; remember

I know the name, but I can't put my finger on it.

to discover; locate

I haven't been able to lay my finger on the book you requested.

not lift a finger

to make not even a small attempt; do nothing

The house was falling into ruin, but he wouldn't lift a finger to repair it.

put the finger on

Slang . finger ( def. 12 ) .

slip through one's fingers

to elude one, as an opportunity not taken; escape

She let the chance of a lifetime slip through her fingers.

to pass or be consumed quickly

Money just slips through his fingers.

snap one's fingers (at)

to exhibit disdain or contempt (for)

She snaps her fingers at the local gossip.

twist or wrap around one's little finger

to exert one's influence easily or successfully upon

He has a remarkable talent for twisting people around his little finger.