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.
Fon lep, or the fingernail dance, is an ancient dance from northern Thailand in which performers wear metal fingernail extensions on eight fingers while moving slowly and fluidly. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2026 In one photo, Brooke pointed out blood on McDaniel's shirt and missing fingernails. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026 Bobby developed a painful rash that could break open and bleed, along with significant inflammation and bleeding around his fingernails. — Stat Staff, STAT, 23 Oct. 2026 The corpse’s fingernails were bloody and the inside of the coffin was shredded from Mary’s trying to scratch her way out. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for fingernail

See All Rhymes for fingernail

Browse Nearby Words

finger millet
fingernail
fingernail clam
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fingernail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fingernail. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on fingernail

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fingernail

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