How to Use nail file in a Sentence

nail file

noun
  • Then, even out the sharp edges with a glass or crystal nail file.
    Andee Tagle, NPR, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Leave an eighth of an inch at the tip, then use a nail file to even nails out.
    Donna Bulseco, WSJ, 2 May 2018
  • Use an emery nail file to gently rub the area as a last resort.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Eboni’s room to borrow a nail file and talk about the day before.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 18 May 2021
  • Use a nail file to perfect the size and shape to your heart's desire.
    Ava Darrin, ELLE, 30 July 2022
  • Leave the size of your nail alone and remove any sharpness with a nail file.
    Cat Quinn, refinery29.com, 5 Jan. 2021
  • For this part, a cheap, rough nail file works better than your nice metal one.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2020
  • Pore strips, coconut oil, a nail file, and gum—the mintier, the better.
    Lindsay Schallon, Glamour, 5 July 2018
  • In real life, an anarchist stabbed her in the heart with a nail file.
    Nadine Zylberberg, ELLE, 22 Dec. 2022
  • In cases like these, finding a precise nail file like this one is key.
    Catharine Malzahn, Good Housekeeping, 4 Aug. 2022
  • Using a buffer or nail file, lightly smooth out the surface of your nail.
    Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping, 20 Sep. 2018
  • Most press-on nail packs come with a nail file; put it to use to get the most seamless fit possible.
    Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 15 Dec. 2023
  • The clippers also come with a nail file that’s stored inside the handle.
    Zoe Malin, NBC News, 3 Mar. 2021
  • Look for a 100-grit nail file, which is coarse enough to file down the surface of the acrylics.
    Marci Robin, Good Housekeeping, 8 Apr. 2019
  • If you aren't versed in the process, opt for a traditional nail file instead.
    Danielle James, Good Housekeeping, 6 Aug. 2021
  • In the clip, Dean carefully buffs away his wife's polish with a nail file.
    Photo: Michael Tran/getty Images., refinery29.com, 15 Apr. 2020
  • Instead, Dina loves flat foot files, which look like a bigger nail file.
    Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 4 May 2022
  • An emory board nail file ($2, Target) can also help lift the nap and buff out stains.
    Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2021
  • Like making the switch to a glass nail file, choosing a non-acetone remover is an easy and quick fix.
    Melanie Rud, SELF, 28 July 2023
  • Carefully shape your nails with a nail file, then apply a matte black nail polish.
    Ariana Yaptangco, ELLE, 30 Aug. 2023
  • Look for a 100-grit nail file, which is coarse enough to file down the surface of the acrylics, or a nail drill.
    Marci Robin, Good Housekeeping, 8 Apr. 2019
  • This kit comes with a mini gel polish, cuticle stick, nail file, and remover wraps.
    ELLE, 13 Apr. 2022
  • There’s also a zippered top section for tools, like brushes, tweezers, and nail files.
    Sarah Han, Allure, 15 Mar. 2026
  • To fine-tune your cleaning, use an eraser, a nail file, or even a clean toothbrush to gently loosen any stubborn dirt.
    Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 15 Apr. 2022
  • First, the top layer of polish is gently sloughed off with a coarse nail file, then the nails are soaked in an acetone solution.
    Rebecca Dancer, Allure, 17 Apr. 2021
  • Pick up some nail clippers, a nail file or hand drill, nail buffer, cuticle trimmer or cutter to help keep nails neat and tidy.
    Sydney Wingfield, Glamour, 9 Dec. 2022
  • Each kit comes with 15 stick-on gels that can be laid directly onto your nail and reshaped with just a few swipes of a nail file.
    Essence, 1 Sep. 2021
  • As a bonus, these durable clippers work well on a variety of dog sizes and even feature a retractable nail file for keeping jagged edges at bay.
    Corinne Sullivan, Woman's Day, 8 Sep. 2022
  • After a nail-trimming session a dog’s rough nail edges can be smoothed by using a pet nail file or walking the dog on a concrete surface.
    baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 20 June 2021
  • Start with a glass or fine-grit nail file for shaping without tearing the layers of the nail, and a buffer block to lightly smooth the surface.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

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

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