1. A small grip or ledge on a rock face or climbing surface that can be grasped with the fingers.
Usage: Usually plural; used in climbing and mountaineering contexts.
2. A means of gaining control, influence, or a foothold in a situation or organization.
Usage: Figurative use; often used in business, politics, or competitive contexts.

Examples

• The rock climber searched for fingerholds on the steep granite wall.
• She used small fingerholds to pull herself up the climbing route.
• The company gained fingerholds in the European market through strategic partnerships.
• Without any fingerholds or footholds, the climber had to rely on upper body strength.
• He was looking for fingerholds in the competitive industry to establish his startup.
• The climber's fingers ached from gripping the tiny fingerholds for hours.