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nails

  • plural
    of nail.
    nail
    noun
    a slender, typically rod-shaped rigid piece of metal, usually in any of numerous standard lengths from a fraction of an inch to several inches and having one end pointed and the other enlarged and flattened, for hammering into or through wood, other building materials, etc., as used in building, in fastening, or in holding separate pieces together.
  • present tense form
    of nail (3rd person singular).
    nail
    noun
    a slender, typically rod-shaped rigid piece of metal, usually in any of numerous standard lengths from a fraction of an inch to several inches and having one end pointed and the other enlarged and flattened, for hammering into or through wood, other building materials, etc., as used in building, in fastening, or in holding separate pieces together.

Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

This approach also goes far beyond nails, with jewellery, hairstyles and outfits being used by sports stars, and beyond, in the hope of enhancing their performances.

From BBC Aug. 14, 2026

“He’s as tough as nails and he is more pissed off than anything that he was the only one that stood up to Magneto. He’s disappointed,” says Dodd.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 10, 2026

Equity may be comfortable for now — but debt is a bed of nails.

From MarketWatch Jul. 9, 2026

Their metallic frames covered in supple, lifelike skin, a posse of new Chinese robots meant for companionship can offer users AI-generated conversation or a hand to hold, complete with manicured nails.

From Barron's Jul. 1, 2026

I peel them, slice them, put them in the soup pot, and Ilse starts to sniff the air, polishing her nails on my sofa.

From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron