nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·​er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər 

: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety

nail-biting

ˈnāl-ˌbī-tiŋ 

adjective

Synonyms of nail-biter

• thriller

Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence

a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time

Recent Examples on the Web

Not only did Jackson get hurt and the Panthers got beaten in a nail-biter, but Jackson also lost his phone and wallet in the locker room. — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026

It’s been a bit of a nail-biter as both sides awaited her final sign-off. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 30 Sep. 2026

His 3-yard touchdown reception with 13 seconds left brought relief to Sandburg, which slipped past Lincoln-Way Central 21-17 in a SouthWest Suburban Conference nail-biter in Orland Park. — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Tucker, Max Muncy, Mookie Betts and Will Smith all homered in a five-run eighth inning, turning a nail-biter into a comfortable win. — Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above