Thumb: meaning, definitions and examples

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thumb

[ θʌm ]

^{Context #1}

body part

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

Synonyms

digit, opposable thumb, pollex

Examples of usage

His thumb was sore from hitting it with a hammer.
She sucked her thumb as a child.
I always use my thumb to scroll on my phone.
He gave a thumbs up to show his approval.
The thumb is essential for gripping objects.

^{Context #2}

expressing approval

To express approval or satisfaction by raising one's thumb.

Synonyms

approve, endorse, signal

Examples of usage

He thumbed through the magazine quickly.
She thumbed her nose at the critics.
Thumbs up for a job well done!
I'll thumb a ride to the concert if I can.

Translations

Translations of the word "thumb" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polegar

🇮🇳 अंगूठा

🇩🇪 Daumen

🇮🇩 ibu jari

🇺🇦 великий палець

🇵🇱 kciuk

🇯🇵 親指

🇫🇷 pouce

🇪🇸 pulgar

🇹🇷 başparmak

🇰🇷 엄지손가락

🇸🇦 إبهام

🇨🇿 palec

🇸🇰 palec

🇨🇳 拇指

🇸🇮 palec

🇮🇸 þumall

🇰🇿 бас бармақ

🇬🇪 ცერა

🇦🇿 baş barmaq

🇲🇽 pulgar

Word origin

The word 'thumb' can be traced back to the Old English word 'thūma', which is related to the Old High German word 'dūmo'. The thumb has always been considered an important and unique digit due to its opposable nature, allowing humans to grasp and manipulate objects with precision. Throughout history, the thumb has been a symbol of strength, dexterity, and approval.