fingering

noun

fin·​ger·​ing ˈfiŋ-g(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce fingering (audio)
1
a
: the act or method of using the fingers in playing an instrument
b
: the marking (as by figures on a musical score) of the method of fingering
2
: the act or process of handling or touching with the fingers

Examples of fingering 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.
At its most basic definition, fingering is touching you or your partner’s genitals in specific ways to create pleasure. Quispe López, Them, 14 Feb. 2025 The Roli Piano can be used as a standalone learning system, but the addition of the Airwave controller launched last October will allow for more accurate analysis and honing of playing technique and fingering finesse. Paul Ridden, New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2025 Five of those indicted alongside him have pleaded guilty to their crimes, each fingering Pratt as the ringleader. Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2024 There’s the fingering, there’s the picking, there’s the guitar choice, there’s the amplifier choice. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 2 Dec. 2023 This unique vibrator mimics the feeling of fingering with an internal motor that massages your G-spot—plus an external one that brings your clit in on the fun too. Kelsey Clark, Glamour, 16 Nov. 2023 Outside of the basic kissing, touching, fingering, shallowing technique, and massaging, there are other ways to turn yourself and your partner(s) on by foreplay in the bedroom and beyond. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 14 Aug. 2023 Fireweed Mountain has a dozen fingering down its slopes. Ned Rozell | Alaska Science, Anchorage Daily News, 29 July 2023 To learn the correct fingering for piano tunes, an MMT user wears a fingerless glove that is connected, via wireless Bluetooth, to a laptop or cell phone that plays a song. Steve Nadis, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2012

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingering was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fingering.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingering. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

fingering

noun
fin·​ger·​ing
ˈfiŋ-g(ə-)riŋ
1
a
: the method of using the fingers in playing an instrument
b
: the marking on a piece of music that shows what fingers are to be used
2
: the act or process of handling or touching with fingers

More from Merriam-Webster on fingering

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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