manicure

1 of 2

noun

man·​i·​cure ˈma-nə-ˌkyu̇r 

1

: a treatment for the care of the hands and fingernails

2

: manicurist

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

Her manicure was the work of Miho Okawara, who is responsible for many of her most recognizable (and copy-able) manicures. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 17 Feb. 2026

The As Ever founder styled herself simply with a gold circular choker and matching bracelet, with a pale pink manicure and her dark brunette hair lightly waved. —Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 16 Feb. 2026

Verb

Artificial Lawns Designers say lawns that look overly manicured, patchy, or obviously artificial can quickly make an outdoor space feel off. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 28 Jan. 2026

Men’s nails were manicured and painted in a plethora of colors. —Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026

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 2

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"