Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for nail-biting

nail-biting

[ neyl-bahy-ting ]

noun

  1. the act or practice of biting one's fingernails, especially as the result of anxiety or nervousness.
  2. Informal. nervousness:

    The announcement that the trade agreement had been signed ended a week of nail-biting on Wall Street.



adjective

  1. Informal. causing nervousness:

    The nail-biting part of the canoe trip was through the stretches of white water.

nail-biting

noun

  1. the act or habit of biting one's fingernails
    1. anxiety or tension
    2. ( as modifier )

      nail-biting suspense

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Words From

  • nail-biter noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of nail-biting1

First recorded in 1890–95
Discover More

Example Sentences

Norman Powell finishes with 23 points as the Clippers overcome a nail-biting sequence before the final buzzer in a 102-99 win over Golden State.

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said his side held their nerve and "just about got there" after they came through a chaotic Autumn Nations Series match against Argentina with a nail-biting 22-19 win.

From BBC

Donald Trump has gained a lead over Kamala Harris in several of the swing states that will decide who becomes the next US president, nail-biting early projections suggest.

From BBC

The first round coincided with a nail-biting referendum on backing a change to the constitution embracing the commitment to join the EU.

From BBC

Ramping up to a nail-biting election, a slew of people with steadfast political beliefs and questionable moral values descended on New York City from far and wide.

From Salon

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement