noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
See Examples For:
At the August hearing, McCaslin said she wants to decide other evidentiary issues, including whether the defense will be allowed to test DNA found under Maggie’s fingernail with new genetic-genealogy techniques.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026
His miniature fingernail polish paintings of everyday objects — a purse, a lipstick tube, a stiletto — are equal parts playful and macabre.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2026
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
“How lame!” the princess said, tapping the Mirror’s glass with her fingernail.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
He scraped the bottom of the pool with his fingernails and provided a few treatment tips of his own.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 18, 2026
Pfeiffer: The surprising thing is, you realize you’re just hanging on by your fingernails.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 15, 2026
Researchers are now working on a clear nail polish that could make that possible by turning long fingernails into touchscreen-compatible styluses.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 26, 2026
Last December his daughter, Claire, told the BBC that his teeth were rotting and his fingernails "sometimes fall off".
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026
“As a matter of fact, it is” Ekon pretended to inspect his fingernails.
From "Beasts of Prey" by Ayana Gray
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.
