fingernail

noun

fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl How to pronounce fingernail (audio)
ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnāl
: the nail of a finger

Examples of fingernail in a Sentence

I trimmed and filed my fingernails. He had dirt under his fingernails.
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.
On Monday Night Football in the Bears' season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Williams sent a message with his fingernails. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025 That includes being unapologetic about his choices—like painting his fingernails—which returned in 2025. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Magnesium is also essential to use vitamin D, which some research shows is associated with thicker fingernails and bone density. Brianna Peters, Vogue, 6 Sep. 2025 Emani Ellis, a security guard at a medical office, claimed Cardi cut her face with her fingernails and spat on her during an altercation. Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fingernail

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fingernail was in the 13th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingernail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingernail. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

fingernail

noun
fin·​ger·​nail ˈfiŋ-gər-ˌnāl How to pronounce fingernail (audio)
ˌfiŋ-gər-ˈnā(ə)l
: the nail of a finger

Medical Definition

fingernail

noun
: the nail of a finger

More from Merriam-Webster on fingernail

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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