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nail

n. · v.
US //ˈneɪɫ// UK //nˈeɪl// nail
  1. 1 finger or toe part (n.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

    the hard, thin part that grows on the ends of your fingers and toes.

    the horny, keratinous plate covering the dorsal surface of the distal phalanges of fingers and toes.

    Example

    She painted her nails a bright red color for the party.

    Example

    The doctor examined the patient's nails for signs of discoloration, which can sometimes indicate an underlying nutritional deficiency.
  2. 2 metal fastener (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small, thin piece of metal with a sharp point and a flat head, used to hold wood together.

    a slender, pointed metal fastener designed to be driven into wood or other materials by impact.

    Example

    He used a hammer to drive a nail into the wall for the picture frame.

    Example

    The carpenter selected galvanized nails to ensure the outdoor decking would remain secure despite exposure to moisture and salt air.
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  1. 3 to fix with metal pins (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to join things together using metal nails.

    to fasten or attach objects using metal nails; typically transitive requiring a direct object.

    Example

    We need to nail these boards together to make the fence strong.

    Example

    The workers spent the afternoon nailing the plywood sheets to the subfloor before the carpet installers arrived.
  2. 4 to do perfectly (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    to do something very successfully or perfectly.

    to perform a task or achieve a goal with complete success or precision.

    Example

    You really nailed that presentation; everyone was very impressed.

    Example

    Despite her nerves, she absolutely nailed the final high note, earning a standing ovation from the entire auditorium.
  3. 5 to catch someone (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Law

    to catch someone doing something wrong or to arrest a criminal.

    to apprehend a person or expose them in the act of a crime or deception.

    Example

    The police finally managed to nail the thief after a long investigation.

    Example

    The investigative journalists worked for months to nail the corrupt politician for his involvement in the bribery scandal.
  4. 6 sexual intercourse (v.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Vulgar

    a very informal and sometimes rude way to talk about having sex.

    to engage in sexual intercourse; typically used with a male subject and often carries a predatory or aggressive connotation.

    Example

    He bragged to his friends about nailing the girl he met at the bar.

    Example

    The dialogue in the film was criticized for its frequent use of vulgar terms like 'nailing' to describe casual encounters.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is highly informal and can be seen as disrespectful or misogynistic; learners should avoid using it in polite or professional company.
Etymology 1

From Middle English nail, nayl, Old English næġl, from Proto-West Germanic nagl, from Proto-Germanic naglaz, from Proto-Indo-European *h₃nogʰ- (“nail”). Cognates Compare North Frisian Nail (“nail”), Saterland Frisian Nail (“nail”), West Frisian neil, Low German Nagel, Dutch nagel, German Nagel, Danish negl, Swedish nagel, Finnish naula (“nail”), Estonian nael (“nail”), (compare Irish ionga, Latin unguis, Albanian nyell (“ankle, hard part of a limb”), Lithuanian nagas, Russian нога́ (nogá, “foot, leg”), но́готь (nógotʹ, “nail”), Ancient Greek ὄνυξ (ónux), Persian ناخن (nâxon), Sanskrit नख (nakhá).

Etymology 2

From Middle English naylen, from Old English næġlan.

Word family
Idioms7 entries

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