toenail

1 of 2

noun

toe·​nail ˈtō-ˌnāl How to pronounce toenail (audio)
-ˈnāl
: a nail of a toe

toenail

2 of 2

verb

toenailed; toenailing; toenails

transitive verb

: to fasten by toed nails : toe

Examples of toenail in a Sentence

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.
Noun
The big toenail on his right foot was painted lavender. — Literary Hub, 14 May 2026 One easy tip Rae loves is to use a soft nail brush and scrub the toenails in the shower. — Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 May 2026
Verb
People have asked me for panties, bras or lingerie, toenail clippings, all sorts of things like that. — Ej Dickson, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2022 The stainless steel, heavy-duty, toenail clipper has straight and sharp blades that are strong enough to cut thick toenails. — ELLE, 1 July 2022 See All Example Sentences for toenail

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1691, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toenail was in 1691

Rhymes for toenail

See All Rhymes for toenail

Browse Nearby Words

toe loop
toenail
to end all
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toenail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toenail. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toenail

noun
toe·​nail
-ˌnāl, 
-ˈnā(ə)l
: a nail of a toe

Medical Definition

toenail

noun
toe·​nail ˈtō-ˌnāl, -ˈnā(ə)l How to pronounce toenail (audio)
: a nail of a toe

More from Merriam-Webster on toenail

Nglish: Translation of toenail for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toenail

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