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
Her feet are bare, the toenails a little muddied. Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025 Bondi went so far as to argue that the Coutures were seeking the wrong dog—there was a dispute over a missing toenail—but the judge overseeing the case rejected that argument. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
Trim toenails regularly to avoid injury or ingrown nails. Alex Vance, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025 In April 2021, Walker’s great-granddaughter, Brandi Faison, came by to give her Nannie a pedicure and was startled by the sight of her feet — hardened, yellow and cracking, with thick, curling toenails three to four times their normal length. Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toenail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toenail. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

toenail

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

Medical Definition

toenail

noun
: a nail of a toe

More from Merriam-Webster on toenail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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