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.
As Lopez-Custodio slept on a couch, he was attacked and fought back, causing Alvarez’s DNA to end up on his fingernails, prosecutors said. Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 10 June 2026 An analysis conducted by Illinois State Police Crime Lab revealed a considerable amount of the DNA found behind Carolyn Jones’ fingernails belonged to Brandon Jones. Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2026 Other signs of ripeness include a dusty coating that gives the skin a dull appearance, a tough rind that's hard to pierce with your fingernail, and the blossom end of the fruit plumps up. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 May 2026 Every day, visitors arrive to dress in robes richly embroidered with phoenixes and adorn themselves with jade and pearl pendants and gold fingernail guards like those worn in imperial China. ABC News, 30 May 2026 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 13 Jun. 2026.

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

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