nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·​er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər How to pronounce nail-biter (audio)
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
nail-biting adjective

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
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.
And on Sunday, to start the new week, the Rockets knocked off the Pistons in a nail-biter, 101-99. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 This holiday shopping season is turning out to be a nail-biter for many retailers — and with good reason. Arthur Zaczkiewicz, WWD, 27 Nov. 2024 Since Young's return, the Panthers have defeated the New Orleans Saints, and New York Giants, and only lost a nail-biter to the Kansas City Chiefs. Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 24 Nov. 2024 Acosta noted that Newsom’s record had been used by supporters of GOP Rep. John Duarte in advertisements against Democratic challenger Adam Gray in the Central Valley’s nail-biter battle for California’s 13th Congressional District, which remains too close to call. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nail-biter 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nail-biter was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near nail-biter

Cite this Entry

“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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