Search Dictionary
Definition of fingerspell

fingerspell

/ˈfɪŋ.ɡɚˌspɛl/
fin · ger · spell
Past Simple:fingerspelled
•
Past Participle:fingerspelled
•
Present Participle:fingerspelling
JUMP TO:

fingerspell Lexical Profile

• verb

1

To spell out words letter by letter using manual alphabet handshapes (especially in sign language for proper nouns or terms without an established sign).

Example

"When she did not know the specific sign for the city's name, she had to fingerspell it slowly for the audience."

• Nearby Words

fingerpointing
fingerprint
fingerprinting
fingerspell
fingerspelling
fingertip
finickiness

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fingerspell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fingerspell
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.