finger hole

noun

1
: any of several holes in the side of a wind instrument (such as a recorder) which may be covered or left open by the fingers to change the pitch of the tone
2
: a hole (as in a telephone dial or a bowling ball) into which the finger is placed to provide a grip

Examples of finger hole 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.
The details at the hands were also sporty with a finger hole on each hand. — Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 24 June 2024 The vessel was a crude metal sphere pocked with tiny quartz windows, akin to finger holes in a bowling ball. — Amy Brady, Scientific American, 20 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of finger hole was in 1785

Rhymes for finger hole

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Cite this Entry

“Finger hole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finger%20hole. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

finger hole

noun
: a hole in the tube of a wind instrument that may be covered with the finger or left open to change the tone
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