nail

noun

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\ ˈnāl

Definition of nail

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a horny sheath protecting the upper end of each finger and toe of humans and most other primates

b : a structure (such as a claw) that terminates a digit and corresponds to a nail

2 : a slender usually pointed and headed fastener designed to be pounded in

nail

verb

nailed; nailing; nails

Definition of nail (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to fasten with or as if with a nail

2 : to fix in steady attention nailed his eye on the crack

3a : catch, trap

b : to expose usually so as to discredit

c : to arrest or punish for an offense

4a : to hit or strike in a forceful manner : whack sense 1a nailed the ball nailed him on the head with a rock

b : to put out (a runner) in baseball

5 : to perform or complete perfectly or impressively nailed a jump shot

6 : to gain or win decisively —often used with down nail down their consent

7 : to settle, establish, or represent clearly and unmistakably —often used with down

8 usually vulgar : to copulate with

Other Words from nail Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing nail Learn More About nail

Examples of nail in a Sentence

Noun a hammer and some nails I get my nails done at the beauty salon every other week. a pair of nail clippers Verb Nail the picture to the wall. All the doors were nailed shut. He got nailed by his parents while trying to sneak out of the house. He got nailed for not paying his taxes. The FBI has nailed the hackers. See More

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun Black nail polish and his signature pink hair tie the whole look together! — Seventeen, 4 May 2022 Styles’ tattooed hands– complete with mint green Pleasing nail polish, of course — reach into the screen and open the cover, revealing a black-and-white photo of the smiling crooner. — Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 4 May 2022 Ishizu demonstrated how the nails were cleverly crafted with the help of CND nail polish. — Jennet Jusu, Allure, 26 Apr. 2022 This includes everything from everyday household items like mops, soap, toothpaste, nail polish and clothes to discretionary items like basketballs, golf bags, fishing rods, TV cabinets and sports car bodies. — Greg Khojikian, Forbes, 26 Apr. 2022 In the meantime, Onwuachi, who’s worn nail polish for the past four years, recently launched a collaboration with the polish brand Orly and has also started acting, with a role in the upcoming film Sugar. — Jai Lennard, WSJ, 25 Apr. 2022 After the former One Direction member debuted his unisex nail polish, Pleasing, in November, Wilde was quick to show her support for her significant other's new business venture. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE.com, 22 Apr. 2022 The nail polish wiped right off, but there was no evidence of it on the pad. — Catherine Garcia, The Week, 22 Apr. 2022 Farfetch has a number of beloved products from Gucci Beauty up for grabs, including its coveted nail polish, which is available in 10 shade options. — Tiffany Dodson, Harper's BAZAAR, 21 Apr. 2022 Recent Examples on the Web: Verb But so was the dialogue, and this is where Cerda really nails it. — Nina Metz, chicagotribune.com, 20 June 2017 Marist coach Colleen Biebel also sent Garofalo, who was nailed at home on a perfect relay throw from Barrington shortstop Julia Kozar. — Tony Baranek, Daily Southtown, 10 June 2017 And making sure Johnson nailed all those backing vocals. — Matt Wake, AL.com, 9 June 2017 Some houses had bathtubs, mirrors, furniture, crosses nailed to the wall. — Washington Post, 5 June 2017 By nailing down Chance as the festival’s finale, before even his star-making turn at this year’s Grammy Awards, Sasquatch! grabbed one of this year’s marquee live acts for their youthful audience. — Charles R. Cross, The Seattle Times, 24 May 2017 Why does Apple nail what channel the Cavs game is on but Google does not? — Alexis C. Madrigal, The Atlantic, 18 May 2017 Finally, in 2011, Shell and Eni paid the government $1.3 billion, including about $200 million as a signature bonus -- a onetime fee charged by some oil-producing nations -- to nail down the contract once and for all. — Chiara Albanese, Bloomberg.com, 9 May 2017 How could anyone nail both the keys and the rhythms with perfect accuracy? — David Pogue, Scientific American, 3 July 2017 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nail.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

13 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Nail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for nail

nail

noun

\ ˈnāl

Kids Definition of nail

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a tough covering protecting the upper end of each finger and toe

2 : a slender pointed piece of metal driven into or through something for fastening

nail

verb

nailed; nailing

Kids Definition of nail (Entry 2 of 2)

: to fasten with or as if with a nail

nail

noun

\ ˈnā(ə)l

Medical Definition of nail

1 : a horny sheath of thickened and condensed epithelial stratum lucidum that grows out from a vascular matrix of dermis and protects the upper surface of the end of each finger and toe of humans and most other primates and that is strictly homologous with the hoof or claw of other mammals from which it differs chiefly in shape and size

— called also nail plate

2 : a structure (as a claw) that terminates a digit and corresponds to a nail

3 : a rod (as of metal) used to fix the parts of a broken bone in normal relation a medullary nail