fine-tooth comb

noun

ˈfīn-ˌtüth-

: a comb with close-set teeth used especially for clearing parasites or foreign matter from the hair

: an attitude or system of thorough searching or scrutinizing

went over the report with a fine-tooth comb

Examples of fine-tooth comb 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.

In some cases, overusing a fine-tooth comb could even backfire. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 14 Apr. 2026 Wilson says the council will need to go over the spending with a fine-tooth comb. — Andy Sheehan, CBS News, 11 Mar. 2026 Tame flyaways with an edge-control brush or a fine-tooth comb and some styling pomade. — Ranyechi Udemezue, Vogue, 12 June 2026 Mira began absent-mindedly rolling and unrolling a fine-tooth comb through her curls. — Anna Wiener, New Yorker, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for fine-tooth comb

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of fine-tooth comb was in 1836

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

fine stuff

fine-tooth comb

finetop

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Fine-tooth comb.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fine-tooth%20comb. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

fine-tooth comb

noun

Examples of fine-tooth comb in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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