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

Prosecutors noted, though, that Wofford was wearing her coat when she was found and her fingernails showed no signs of a physical altercation. —Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2026

Sometimes, there isn't a classroom at all — just fresh air, soil under fingernails, and lessons rooted in real life. —Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026

Caring for our fingernails and toenails is often an afterthought, says professional nail technician Titilayo Bankole. —Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026

The link to the Austin case came when a DNA sample taken from under Ayers’ fingernail came back as a match to Brashers from the 1990 murder in South Carolina. —Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 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