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. 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 ( neuron ); replacing Middle English nerf, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Example Sentences

But Van Veen held his nerve and hit double six for the match.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

After a week getting steroids and pain medicine at Providence St. John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, he received the biopsy results: an extremely aggressive malignant mass was blocking blood flow to Duong’s optic nerve.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

In 2018, the UK said Russian double agent Sergei Skripal was poisoned with a Novichok nerve agent in the British cathedral city of Salisbury.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

Her face and teeth were agony and she discovered later from a maxillofacial surgeon, that he had knocked her vagus nerve out of place.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"Do not stop me, what I say, señor. I say it quick, or I lose the nerve. Two weeks—maybe three—I try to get up the nerve."

From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham

Related Words

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