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.
Carrington faced intense backlash after giving Clark a black eye with her fingernail in a playoff meeting between Clark's Indiana Fever and Carrington's previous team, the Connecticut Sun, in September. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 9 Mar. 2025 Step 1: Wash Hands and Fingernails Wash hands well with hand soap, using a nail brush to scrub underneath fingernails to remove as much turmeric as possible. Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025 On the other hand, Erivo included a nod to Elphaba with a vibrant turquoise green color on her pointer finger, a shade that echoed the gemstones in her jewels and on her other fingernails. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Mar. 2025 Ava flashes scratches on her forearm, courtesy of Isabella’s fingernails. San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 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 15 Mar. 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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