manicure

1 of 2

noun

man·​i·​cure ˈma-nə-ˌkyu̇r 

1

: manicurist

2

: a treatment for the care of the hands and fingernails

manicure

2 of 2

verb

manicured; manicuring

transitive verb

1

: to do manicure work on

especially : to trim and polish the fingernails of

2

a

: to trim closely and evenly

manicured lawns

b

: groom sense 2

manicured flower beds

Examples of manicure in a Sentence

Noun

She gets a manicure every week or so.

Verb

She spends her weekends working in her garden and manicuring her lawn.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Service options span a variety of treatments, including massage therapy, facials, manicures and pedicures, baths and wet room treatments. —Jessica Peralta, Oc Register, 19 Sep. 2025

Chebet also stood out on Day 1 with red-and-pink mixed nails, proving the manicure game is global. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 19 Sep. 2025

Verb

The defining characteristic of the property are the expansive, manicured, park-like grounds that are dotted with Heritage oaks and fruit trees. —John Turton, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

These weren’t manicured suburban specimens; these were survivors, shaped by hardship into beauty. —Kevin Sintumuang, Outside, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Latin manus hand + French -icure (as in pédicure pedicure) — more at manual

First Known Use

Noun

1877, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing manicure

• French manicure

Kids Definition

manicure

1 of 2 noun

man·​i·​cure ˈman-ə-ˌkyu̇(ə)r 

: a beauty treatment for the hands and nails

manicure

2 of 2 verb

manicured; manicuring

1

: to give a manicure to

2

: to trim closely and evenly

manicured their lawn

Etymology

Noun

from French manicure "one who gives a beauty treatment for the hands," derived from Latin manus "hand" and Latin cura "care"