Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hole for inserting a finger: A small, typically round opening designed for a finger to fit into, often for the purpose of gripping, operating, or feeling something.
   • One of a series of holes in a woodwind instrument; pitch changes when a finger covers it: In music, specifically on instruments like the flute, recorder, or clarinet, a finger hole is an opening that is covered or uncovered by a finger to change the length of the air column inside, thereby altering the pitch of the note produced.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Hole for a finger):
  • The bowling ball had several finger holes for a secure grip.
  • She inserted her finger into the finger hole of the scissors.
• Noun (On a woodwind instrument):
  • The beginner struggled to cover all the finger holes on the recorder.
  • A change in pitch is achieved by covering a different combination of finger holes.

Advanced Usage

• "To cover a finger hole": To place a finger over the opening on a musical instrument to produce a specific note.
  • To play a low C, you must cover the first three finger holes.
• "Finger hole spacing": Refers to the distance between the holes on an instrument, which affects playability.
  • The finger hole spacing on this flute is designed for larger hands.

Variants and Related Words

• Sound hole (n): An opening in the body of a stringed instrument (like a guitar or violin) that projects sound, distinct from a finger hole which is for fingering.
• Thumb hole (n): A specific hole designed for the thumb, often found on bowling balls, ceramics, or some musical instruments like the bassoon or ocarina.

Synonyms

• Aperture: An opening, hole, or gap. (More general)
• Orifice: An opening, particularly one in the body or a part of an object. (More formal/technical)
• Port: An opening for intake or exhaust. (Technical, not typically for fingers)

Related Phrases

• There is no specific phrasal verb for "finger hole".

Related Idioms

• There is no common idiom specifically for "finger hole".

Noun

1. a hole for inserting a finger
2. one of a series of holes in a woodwind instrument; pitch changes when a finger covers it