WordGarden.iopinky
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɪŋki/
US
- /ˈpɪŋki/
Meanings
Noun
the little finger
Adjective
somewhat pink in color
Beyond the definition
Your pinky, also called your little finger, is the smallest finger on your hand. The word is mostly used for that finger itself, but it also shows up in the phrase "pinky swear" or "pinky promise." That is a childhood promise made by linking little fingers together to show that the promise is meant seriously.
The word probably comes from the Dutch pinkje, meaning "little finger" or "little one." So even though it names the smallest finger, it often carries a big idea: trust.
The word "pinky" is an informal name for the smallest finger on your hand, also known as the little finger. This is by far its main meaning in everyday English. If someone hurts their pinky, points with their pinky, or lifts their pinky while holding a cup, they are talking about that smallest finger.
The word is also strongly linked to the expression "pinky swear" or "pinky promise." In this small childhood ritual, two people hook their little fingers together to seal a promise. The idea is simple but vivid: even a small gesture can stand for trust, honesty, and friendship. Because of that, the word often feels playful, warm, and familiar rather than technical.
The term likely comes from the Dutch pinkje, which referred to the little finger or something small. There are also a few less common uses connected with the idea of pinkness, but those are not the main ones for most learners. In most situations, "pinky" simply means the smallest finger, especially in casual speech and in the well-known promise expression.
Examples
- 1
Minor injury
I cut my pinky while chopping onions.
- 2
Finger size
The ring was too small for any finger except her pinky.
- 3
Jewelry
He wears a silver pinky ring on his left hand.
- 4
Promise gesture
We locked pinkies and promised not to tell anyone.
- Phraselock pinkies
hook your smallest fingers together
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Informal promise
“Pinky promise?” she asked, holding out her hand.
- Phrasepinky promise
a very informal promise, often between children
- 6
Smallest toe
I stubbed my pinky toe on the bed frame.
- Phrasepinky toe
the smallest toe
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- pinkynoun
Forms
- pinkiespluralnoun