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.
To illustrate, this means a fingernail-sized piece could support the weight of 190 tons. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2025 The grotesque details—the uncle’s fingernails piercing his hands, the dog’s permanent terror of rabbits—are simply there. David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025 Lumpkins’ fingernails were broken off because she had been dragged from under the bed. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025 The 11-year-old also had dried feces on his face, arms and hands, and underneath his fingernails, per the complaint. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 19 Oct. 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 30 Oct. 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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