fingernail

noun

fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl How to pronounce fingernail (audio)
ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnāl
: the nail of a finger

Examples of fingernail in a Sentence

I trimmed and filed my fingernails. He had dirt under his fingernails.
Recent Examples on the Web Apply the oil to your hands and gently scrub the paint using a stiff brush, fingernail brush, or an old toothbrush. Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Aug. 2024 Instead of using your fingernails to remove price tags or scrape residue off surfaces, use the edge of a plastic tag instead. Barbara Bellesi Zito, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024 After Barnes body was found, Johnson mused to family members that investigators might find DNA under her fingernails, according to recordings obtained from a Maryland State Police wiretap. Cassidy Jensen, Baltimore Sun, 3 July 2024 Paronychia: This infection around the fingernail may be acute (occurring one time) or chronic (occurring long-term, usually in people who have constant hand exposure to water or a weakened immune system). Cristina Mutchler, Health, 10 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fingernail 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fingernail.' 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

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingernail was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near fingernail

Cite this Entry

“Fingernail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingernail. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

fingernail

noun
fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl How to pronounce fingernail (audio)
ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnā(ə)l
: the nail of a finger

Medical Definition

fingernail

noun
: the nail of a finger

More from Merriam-Webster on fingernail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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