# nail

/ˈneɪɫ/ (US) · /nˈeɪl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nail
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. finger or toe part

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- She painted her nails a bright red color for the party.
- The doctor examined the patient's nails for signs of discoloration, which can sometimes indicate an underlying nutritional deficiency.

### 2. metal fastener

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- He used a hammer to drive a nail into the wall for the picture frame.
- The carpenter selected galvanized nails to ensure the outdoor decking would remain secure despite exposure to moisture and salt air.

### 3. to fix with metal pins

verb · CEFR B1

to join things together using metal nails.

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

- We need to nail these boards together to make the fence strong.
- The workers spent the afternoon nailing the plywood sheets to the subfloor before the carpet installers arrived.

### 4. to do perfectly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to do something very successfully or perfectly.

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

- You really nailed that presentation; everyone was very impressed.
- Despite her nerves, she absolutely nailed the final high note, earning a standing ovation from the entire auditorium.

### 5. to catch someone

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- The police finally managed to nail the thief after a long investigation.
- The investigative journalists worked for months to nail the corrupt politician for his involvement in the bribery scandal.

### 6. sexual intercourse

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Vulgar

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

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

- He bragged to his friends about nailing the girl he met at the bar.
- The dialogue in the film was criticized for its frequent use of vulgar terms like 'nailing' to describe casual encounters.

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

## Examples

- She painted her nails a bright shade of red.
- The carpenter used a hammer to drive a long nail into the wooden frame to secure the joint.
- While the biological function of the nail is to protect the sensitive fingertip, its structural integrity can be compromised by nutritional deficiencies or repetitive physical trauma.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.