1
a
: veined
a nerved wing
b
: having veins or nerves especially of a specified kind or number
used in combination
fan-nerved leaves
2
: showing courage or strength

Examples of nerved in a Sentence

a nerved and fearless driver of race cars
Recent Examples on the Web The latest target is 402 km/h (250 mph), a mind-bending pace on two wheels that requires a special, steely nerved rider. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Mar. 2023 Jessica John gives one of the best performances of her career as the raw-nerved and boldly confrontational Barbara, whose despair leads to her confuse Johnny with Donny after a couple gallon-size jugs of wine. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Nov. 2022 The result is a work of rare, raw-nerved insight into group therapy and individual trauma, as well as a moving vision of male friendship and strength in the face of evil. Los Angeles Times, 9 Nov. 2021 Most of the emotion in the series veers toward the overblown or maudlin, though Winona Ryder (God bless ’er), who plays Will’s jangly nerved mother, Joyce, has at last decided to fully apply her once formidable talent to the role. Hank Stuever, Washington Post, 3 July 2019 Putin, a former KGB agent, has ruled Russia as prime minister or president for more than 18 years, and in that time has crafted an image as a steely nerved leader and the man best qualified to rebuild his country after the end of the Soviet Union. Andrew E. Kramer, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2018 Cynthia Gerber is just right as the fragile-nerved stage manager Poppy. Pam Kragen, sandiegouniontribune.com, 15 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nerved.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of nerved was in 1615

Dictionary Entries Near nerved

Cite this Entry

“Nerved.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nerved. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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