WordGarden.iothumb
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈʌm/
US
- /ˈθəm/
Meanings
Noun
the short thick first digit of the hand
Verb
to press, turn, or handle something with the thumb
to signal for a ride by holding out the thumb
Beyond the definition
The thumb is the short, strong digit set apart from the other fingers. It helps you hold, pinch, press, and pick things up, so daily actions like writing, opening jars, texting, and scrolling would be much harder without it. The word is also common in everyday expressions. A "thumbs up" shows approval or agreement, and sticking out your thumb can mean you are asking for a ride. In phrases, "under someone's thumb" means under their control, "green thumb" means skill with plants, and a "rule of thumb" is a practical guide based on experience rather than exact rules.
The thumb is the short, thick finger on the hand, placed opposite the other four. This special position lets it meet the fingers, which gives the hand much of its power and control. Because of that, the thumb is central to many everyday actions, from buttoning a shirt and holding a pen to lifting a cup or using a phone. The word also appears in many common expressions and actions, so it reaches far beyond simple anatomy. A "thumbs up" is a widely understood sign of approval, agreement, or success. If you "thumb through" a book or magazine, you move quickly through the pages while looking over the contents.
Beyond physical actions, the word appears in several colorful idioms. To be "under someone's thumb" is to be under their strong influence or control. If your garden is flourishing, you are said to have a "green thumb." You might even "thumb your nose" at someone to show defiance or disrespect. There is also the "rule of thumb," a phrase for a practical and approximate guideline based on experience. Whether you are signaling for a ride on the side of the road or simply holding a pen, the thumb plays a versatile role in both our language and our lives.
Examples
- 1
Physical injury
I hit my thumb with the hammer.
- 2
Phone use
She scrolled through the photos with her thumb.
- 3
Baby habit
The baby fell asleep with his thumb in his mouth.
- 4
Approval gesture
He gave me a thumbs-up after the interview.
- Phrasethumbs-up
a sign that something is good or approved
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Quick reading
I thumbed through the magazine while I waited.
- Patternthumb through + reading material
turn the pages quickly
- 6
Practical guide
As a rule of thumb, back up your files once a week.
- Phraserule of thumb
a general practical guide
- 7
Waiting idly
We sat in the lobby twiddling our thumbs until the manager arrived.
- Phrasetwiddle your thumbs
wait with nothing to do
- 8
Gardening skill
My grandmother has a green thumb, so her balcony is full of herbs.
- Phrasegreen thumb
natural skill at growing plants
- 9
Manual awkwardness
I'm all thumbs when it comes to sewing.
- Phraseall thumbs
very awkward with your hands
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thumbnounverb
Forms
- thumbspluralnounverb
- thumbing-ing formverbnoun
- thumbedpast tenseverbnoun