What does fingering mean?
Fingering is primarily a musical term denoting the specific arrangement and movement of fingers used to play an instrument such as the piano, guitar, violin, or flute. It also refers to the numbered markings editors print above or below a score to indicate which fingers a player should use for each note. Good fingering minimizes awkward hand positions and enables smooth, expressive performance, which is why teachers and performers debate it carefully. Beyond music, the word describes the general act of handling or feeling something with the fingers, and in knitting and crochet, "fingering" designates a class of fine, lightweight yarn. Derived from the Old English root behind "finger," the word is versatile but register-sensitive: in formal writing it belongs mostly to music pedagogy, while in casual speech it can take on unrelated physical or even suggestive meanings, so context determines interpretation.
The selection and use of fingers in playing a musical instrument, or the notated indications specifying which fingers to use.
"The edition includes suggested fingering for every scale."
Most commonly encountered in music education and performance contexts.
The act or manner of touching, feeling, or manipulating something with the fingers.
"A quick fingering of the cloth told her it was genuine silk."
A fine grade of lightweight yarn used in knitting and crochet, known as fingering weight.
"She chose a merino fingering for the lace shawl."
Pluralizes regularly; typically used when referring to multiple alternative finger choices for passages or different pieces.
"The appendix compares several fingerings for the chromatic scale."
The same word that describes a pianist's delicate fingerwork has carried a very different meaning for centuries — context is everything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of fingering
Fingering derives from "finger," which comes from Old English "finger," of Germanic origin and common to the Germanic languages (compare German "Finger" and Dutch "vinger"). The noun "fingering" arose in English through ordinary derivation — adding the -ing suffix to denote the action or manner of using the fingers — with musical usage established by the time instrumental treatises appeared in print. Its extended use for graded yarn weights developed later within the textile trades.
Related word forms
How fingering is actually used
Primarily a technical term in musical instruction and performance; outside of music and crafts, uses tend toward informal or physical descriptions. The word can carry sexual connotations in informal contexts, so register matters when using it.
Easily confused with fingering
"Finger" is the digit itself or the verb to touch with one, while "fingering" is the gerund/noun describing the manner or act of using fingers, especially in playing an instrument.