fingerboard

noun

fin·​ger·​board ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌbȯrd How to pronounce fingerboard (audio)
plural fingerboards
: the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch see violin illustration see fretboard

Examples of fingerboard in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The semi-hollowbody electric guitar is crafted from blonde wood and features an unbound fingerboard. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2023 With the brand new Mike McCready Stratocaster, the artist now has a guitar designed to his specifics, including a custom pickup set to sound like his 1960 Stratocaster, a six-point tremolo, and a fingerboard radius that has enough arc for chording and easier note bending. Daniel Kohn, Spin, 12 Sep. 2023 The fingerboards also come with snap-on shoes for better control. Anthony Gharib, USA TODAY, 22 July 2023 The slap of the double bass strings on the fingerboard can be heard in their tiniest detail. Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 3 May 2023 Lanzilotti also slowly moved her bow from high up on the viola’s fingerboard to down near its bridge. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2023 It was scored for contrabass, and contrasted vigorous open string strums with ethereal harmonics played all the way below the fingerboard. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Feb. 2023 Another unique feature is the restaurant’s fingerboard skatepark. Dallas News, 20 Jan. 2022 Other ice-like sounds included dryly plucking the strings above the left hand; sliding fingers up and down the fingerboard, creating an airy sound; and bowing the wood, bridges and tailpieces of their instruments. Christian Hertzog, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fingerboard.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingerboard was in 1609

Dictionary Entries Near fingerboard

Cite this Entry

“Fingerboard.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingerboard. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

fingerboard

noun
fin·​ger·​board ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌbō(ə)rd How to pronounce fingerboard (audio)
-ˌbȯ(ə)rd
: the part of a stringed instrument against which the fingers press the strings to vary the pitch

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