thumb

US /θʌm/

UK /θʌm/

B1

verb

  • To use your thumb to request a ride in a car
  • To casually look through a book, magazine etc.

noun

  • The short, thick first digit of the human hand, set apart from the other four.
  • Part of a glove that goes over the thumb
  • The short, thick finger on the side of your hand
  • The part of a hand used to play an instrument.
  • A unit of measurement based on the width of a thumb.
  • The part of a glove or mitten that covers the thumb.

other

  • To travel by hitchhiking.

other

  • To soil or wear with the thumb.
  • To turn pages with the thumb.

Examples

(often figurative) I sat there twiddling my thumbs until the manager finally appeared.

thumbs-up sign through th