noun
Etymology
Origin of fingernail
Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; see origin at finger, nail
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ortiz says an Arlington police detective called him and asked what fingernail polish Cynthia had been wearing when she disappeared.
From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026
When used together, these ingredients produced a formula that allowed a smartphone to register a fingernail touch, marking an important early success.
From Science Daily • Mar. 26, 2026
"I only found a tiny little bit," she said, showing a fraction of her little fingernail.
From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026
Cardi B was cleared of assault by a Los Angeles jury after a security guard sued her for $24 million in a fingernail attack.
From BBC • Sep. 2, 2025
A flock of miniature origami birds taking flight, the largest the size of an open palm, the smallest the size of a fingernail, all faintly striped with notepaper lines.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
