pointer finger

The accusatory digit

The pointer finger is the finger next to the thumb, used naturally for pointing at things, pressing buttons, and directing attention.

It's also called the index finger in more formal contexts, though pointer finger is the everyday term most people reach for.

She tapped the map with her pointer finger to show where we were.

Related

poking · phalanges · accusation · indicating · typing · index · tapping · shushing · come hither · communicating · trigger pull · authority · knuckle · guidance · nail bed · nail polish · direction · anatomy

Categories
Opposites
finger position/order

pointer fingerpinky finger

Hand's smallest outer digit

little finger · pinky · pinkie · thumb · ring finger

Family

pointer, finger, point, points, pointed, pointing, pointy, pointers, fingers

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G