thumb

/θʌm/
verb
  1. To press, touch, or move something using the thumb.
    • The musician thumbed the strings of the guitar gently.
    • He thumbed through the magazine while waiting for the bus.
    • She thumbed the button to start the game.
  2. To hitchhike by signaling with the thumb.
    • In some countries, it is common for travelers to thumb their way across the country.
    • He stood by the road and thumbed for hours before a truck stopped.
    • They thumbed a ride to the coast because they had no money for a bus.
Synonyms
noun
  1. The short, thick finger on the side of the hand that can be moved to touch the other fingers.
    • She hit her thumb with a hammer while building the bookshelf.
    • The baby grabbed the toy with her thumb and forefinger.
    • He gave a thumbs-up to show he agreed with the plan.
  2. The part of a glove that covers the thumb.
    • The thumb of the baseball glove was too tight for his hand.
    • There was a hole in the thumb of his winter glove.
    • She sewed a patch over the worn thumb of the mitten.
Synonyms