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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Mees’ Lines Mees' lines appear as horizontal white lines that run across the width of your fingernails or toenails. Laura Schober, Health, 1 June 2025 By the second episode, Chloe and Adam’s son Ethan is arrested for his father’s murder after Ethan’s DNA is found under Adam’s fingernails. Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 29 May 2025 This is the kind of movie that compels you to chew your fingernails to the very nubbies, as well as those on the person next to you. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 28 May 2025 While many other gloves are fingerless, these ones cover the entire hand, fingernails and all, shielding you from the sun during any commute. Marie Lodi, Allure, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for fingernail

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingernail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingernail. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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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