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Synonyms

nail file

American  

noun

  • nail files
    plural
  1. a small file of metal or cardboard, for trimming, smoothing, or shaping the fingernails and sometimes having a point for removing dirt from under them.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Etymology

Origin of nail file

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75


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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:

Using these tools and a nail file that Starr had slipped in her pocket when she used the restroom, they cut the zip ties and came up with a plan.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2025

"And you can sit there with a nail file and try to pry the chiton off; you will lose."

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2024

Trim toenails straight across, and use a nail file on corners, instead of cutting them.

From Washington Post ● Jul. 18, 2022

Tom moved back in with his parents for five years while he developed the curvy nail file that made him famous.

From BBC ● May 6, 2021

Ivette grabbed a nail file from my dresser.

From "The Red Umbrella" by Christina Gonzalez

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