Definition of 'nail'

Word Frequency

nail

(neɪl )

Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular present tense nails , present participle nailing , past tense, past participle nailed

1. countable noun

A nail is a thin piece of metal with one pointed end and one flat end. You hit the flat end with a hammer in order to push the nail into something such as a wall.

A mirror hung on a nail above the washstand.

He hammered the nail into the branch.

Synonyms: tack, spike, rivet, sprig [technical] More Synonyms of nail

2. verb

If you nail something somewhere, you fix it there using one or more nails.

Frank put the first plank down and nailed it in place. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]

They nail shut the front door. [VERB noun with adjective]

The windows were all nailed shut. [VERB-ed]

Synonyms: fasten, fix, secure, attach More Synonyms of nail

3. countable noun

Your nails are the thin hard parts that grow at the ends of your fingers and toes.

Keep your nails short and your hands clean.

Synonyms: fingernail, toenail, talon, thumbnail More Synonyms of nail

4. verb

To nail someone means to catch them and prove that they have been breaking the law.

[informal]

The prosecution still managed to nail him for robberies at the homes of leading industrialists. [VERB noun + for]

5. verb

If you nail something, you do it extremely well or successfully.

[informal]

She had nailed the art of making us laugh. [VERB noun]

He tried, but I'm not sure he totally nailed it. [VERB it]

as hard as nails/hard as nails

to hit the nail on the head

8. a nail in the coffin

9. to nail your colours to the mast

10. to fight tooth and nail

Phrasal verbs:

nail down

nail up

More Synonyms of nail

Video: pronunciation of 'nail'

Word Frequency

nail in British

(neɪl )

noun

a fastening device usually made from round or oval wire, having a point at one end and a head at the other

anything resembling such a fastening device, esp in function or shape

the horny plate covering part of the dorsal surface of the fingers or toes

fingernail, toenail ▶ Related adjectives: ungual, ungular

the claw of a mammal, bird, or reptile

5. slang

a hypodermic needle, used for injecting drugs

a unit of length, formerly used for measuring cloth, equal to two and a quarter inches

7. a nail in one's coffin

8. bite one's nails

9. hard as nails

10. hit the nail on the head

11. on the nail

verb (transitive)

12.

to attach with or as if with nails

13. informal

to arrest or seize

14. informal

to hit or bring down, as with a shot

I nailed the sniper

15. informal

to expose or detect (a lie or liar)

16.

to fix or focus (one's eyes, attention, etc) on an object

17.

to stud with nails

18. nail it

Derived forms

nailer (ˈnailer)

noun

nail-less (ˈnail-less)

adjective

Word origin of 'nail'

Old English nǣgl; related to Old High German nagal nail, Latin unguis fingernail, claw, Greek onux

Word Frequency

nail in American

(neɪl ; nāl)

noun

a thin, horny covering that grows out over the upper tip of a finger or toe

a similar growth on a toe of a bird, reptile, etc.; claw

a tapered piece of metal, commonly pointed and having a flattened head, driven with a hammer, and used to hold pieces or parts together, to hang things on, etc.

an old cloth measure, equal to 21⁄4 inches

verb transitive

to attach or fasten together or onto something else with or as with nails

to secure, hold, or fasten shut with nails

to fix (the eyes, attention, etc.) steadily on an object

to discover or expose (a lie, etc.)

8. Informal

to catch, capture, seize, or intercept

9. Informal

to hit squarely

Idioms:

hard as nails

hit the nail on the head

nail down

nail up

Word origin of 'nail'

ME naile < OE nægl, akin to Ger nagel < IE base *onogh, nail > Sans áṅghri-, foot, Gr onyx, nail, L unguis, fingernail

Example sentences containing 'nail'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

He nailed harder ones but was tripped by something easy. Times, Sunday Times (2016)And still no one has been nailed for it. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Did you know that nails grow less quickly at this time of year? Times, Sunday Times (2016)Two men have been arrested after a dog was found buried alive in woodland with a nail hammered through its head. Times, Sunday Times (2016)TWO men have been arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty after a dog was found buried alive with a nail hammered between its eyes. The Sun (2016)They are small and unfussy, with slender fingers and short, neatly shaped nails. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Now his lies have been nailed he faces having to pay it back. The Sun (2014)You have hit the nail on the head. The Sun (2008)Always use a heavy nail where a wire changes direction. Times, Sunday Times (2013)She has hit the nail on the head regarding the loss of closeness in owning a car. Times, Sunday Times (2013)Try not to anxiously stalk the postman or bite your nails down to the quick. Times, Sunday Times (2009)She has to coat with clear nail varnish all metal surfaces she touches regularly. The Sun (2010)We found nails in one of the bodies. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Needs to nail a permanent place in the team first. The Sun (2008)Do human hair and nails grow more quickly in a heat wave? Times, Sunday Times (2006)This is not a work for those who prefer hammers and nails. Christianity Today (2000)Now nail the plank to the shed wall. Times, Sunday Times (2007)You can have your first officers glitter nail polish and you can have your tattoos. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Let me nail that lie here and now. The Sun (2014)It looks like he hit the nail on the head. The Sun (2014)N-DUBZ will have no nails left to bite by the time the weekend is over. The Sun (2010)Try to make sure that her nails are clean and short to minimise the risk of infection if she scratches the skin. Times, Sunday Times (2006)There's a lot of work involved with keeping nails in good shape during the colder months. Times, Sunday Times (2010)This hotel has hit the nail on the head - the perfect blend of old and new. Times, Sunday Times (2009)