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nailbiter

British  
/ ˈneɪlˌbaɪtə /

noun

  1. a person who bites his or her nails

  2. a person who is anxious or tense

  3. something that causes anxiety or tension

"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

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:

Before the season, Jim Skipper called the matchup “a win-win. … It’s going to be a nailbiter, I know that.”

From Los Angeles Times Nov. 29, 2024

Sunday's was one of the most exciting Super Bowls in recent years, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in a nailbiter.

From Salon Feb. 14, 2023

Kraken forward Ryan Donato admitted after this nailbiter of a game that it was indeed a test passed even if it required some late cramming.

From Seattle Times Jan. 19, 2023

India won a nailbiter in Dhaka to beat Bangladesh and secure a 2-0 series win.

From BBC Dec. 25, 2022

We’re closer to Reagan-Mondale territory now than the likelihood of a nailbiter.

From The Guardian Oct. 6, 2020

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