nerve

American  

[nurv] / nɜrv /

noun

1. one or more bundles of fibers forming part of a system that conveys impulses of sensation, motion, etc., between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.

2. a sinew or tendon.

   to strain every nerve.

3. firmness or courage under trying circumstances.

   an assignment requiring nerve;

   to lose your nerve at the very last moment.

   Synonyms:

   resolution, fortitude, intrepidity, steadfastness

4. boldness; audacity; impudence; impertinence.

   He had the nerve to say that?

5. nerves, nervousness.

   an attack of nerves.

6. strength, vigor, or energy.

   a test of nerve and stamina.

   Synonyms:

   might, force, power

   Antonyms:

   weakness

7. (not in technical use) pulp tissue of a tooth.

8. Botany. a vein, as in a leaf.

9. a line, or one of a system of lines, extending across something.

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verb (used with object)

nerved, nerving

1. to give strength, vigor, or courage to.

   Encouragement had nerved him for the struggle.

   Synonyms:

   brace, steel, invigorate, fortify, strengthen

   Antonyms:

   weaken

idioms

1. bundle of nerves. see bundle of nerves.

2. have nerves of steel, to be able to control one’s fear or unease and remain calm and competent, even in the worst of circumstances.

   I thought I had nerves of steel, but when we had to dissect a pig, I turned into a jellyfish.

3. get on one's nerves, to irritate, annoy, or provoke one.

   Boisterous children get on my nerves.

nerve British  

/ nɜːv /

noun

1. any of the cordlike bundles of fibres that conduct sensory or motor impulses between the brain or spinal cord and another part of the body

2. courage, bravery, or steadfastness

3. to become timid, esp failing to perform some audacious act

4. informal boldness or effrontery; impudence

   he had the nerve to swear at me

5. muscle or sinew (often in the phrase strain every nerve )

6. a large vein in a leaf

7. any of the veins of an insect's wing

8. to mention or bring to mind a sensitive issue or subject

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verb

1. to give courage to (oneself); steel (oneself)

2. to provide with nerve or nerves

nerve Scientific  

/ nûrv /

1. Any of the bundles of fibers made up of neurons that carry sensory and motor information throughout the body in the form of electrical impulses. Afferent nerves carry information to the central nervous system, and efferent nerves carry information from the central nervous system to the muscles, organs, and glands. Efferent nerves include the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which control voluntary motor activity and of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary motor activity.

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nerve Cultural  

1. A bundle of fibers composed of neurons that connects the body parts and organs to the central nervous system and carries impulses from one part of the body to another.

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nerve More Idioms  

1. see bundle of nerves; get on someone's nerves; get up (one's nerve); have a nerve; lose one's nerve; of all the nerve; war of nerves.

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Etymology

Origin of nerve

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English: “nerve, tendon,” from Latin nervus “sinew, tendon”; akin to Greek neûron ( see neuron); replacing Middle English nerf, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Explanation

A nerve is a group of fibers that send sensation or physical feeling to the brain. Back pain can sometimes be caused by a damaged or pinched nerve. Your body depends on your nerves for sensing pain, heat, and cold — not to mention making it possible for you to move your muscles. You can also use the word nerve to mean bravery or daring: "She didn't know if she'd have the nerve to skydive when she was finally up in the plane." In the 1500s, to nerve was "to ornament with threads." All of these come from a Latin root, nervus, "sinew, tendon, cord, or bowstring."

Example Sentences

It holds heat, keeps its nerve, and moves easily from stovetop to oven to broiler and back again without asking you to switch vessels or overthink it.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

She had to be treated for a trapped nerve in her glute at mile five, and again at mile 11.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

The nerve for wagers that make the studio audience gasp.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

To say the least, the government has some nerve in raising the issue.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

That person isn’t going to lose their nerve just because there are a few cops around.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• confidence
• courage
• determination
• fortitude
• grit
• heart
• spirit
• stomach