English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word thumb in English

What does thumb mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

thumb

US /θʌm/
UK /θʌm/
"thumb" picture

Noun

the short, thick first digit of the human hand, set apart from the other four and opposable to them.

Example:
•
He gave a thumbs-up to show approval.
•
She hurt her thumb while playing basketball.
Synonym:
digit pollex

Verb

1.

to turn over pages with the thumb

Example:
•
He thumbed through the book, looking for a specific passage.
•
She quickly thumbed through the dictionary.
Synonym:
flick flip leaf browse
2.

to hitchhike

Example:
•
They decided to thumb their way across the country.
•
It's dangerous to thumb a ride on this highway.
Synonym:
hitch hitchhike
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Related Word:
well thumbed thumb piano green thumb rule of thumb thumbs up thumbs down be all fingers and thumbs