fingernail

noun

fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl 

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

The fingernail-sized device uses a network of light-processing components and an optimisation algorithm to identify and physically separate the underlying coherence modes within a mixed optical field. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Nov. 2026

Three weeks on doxorubicin left her with bruising on seven of her fingernails and three toes. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026

Fon lep, or the fingernail dance, is an ancient dance from northern Thailand in which performers wear metal fingernail extensions on eight fingers while moving slowly and fluidly. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026

In one photo, Brooke pointed out blood on McDaniel's shirt and missing fingernails. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fingernail

• abigail
• cottontail
• countervail
• martingale
• mesoscale
• microscale
• monorail
• nanoscale
• ponytail
• swallowtail
• wensleydale
• yellowtail

Kids Definition

fingernail

noun

fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl 

ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnā(ə)l

: the nail of a finger

Medical Definition

fingernail

noun

fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl, ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnā(ə)l 

: the nail of a finger