toenail

1 of 2

noun

toe·​nail ˈtō-ˌnāl How to pronounce toenail (audio)
-ˈnāl
: a nail of a toe

toenail

2 of 2

verb

toenailed; toenailing; toenails

transitive verb

: to fasten by toed nails : toe

Examples of toenail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Bob Marley’s melanoma was first identified under his toenail after an injury that would not heal. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Bob Marley’s case was first identified under his toenail after an injury that wouldn’t heal. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
In April 2021, Walker’s great-granddaughter, Brandi Faison, came by to give her Nannie a pedicure and was startled by the sight of her feet — hardened, yellow and cracking, with thick, curling toenails three to four times their normal length. — Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2024 Most often, tea tree oil is used to treat athlete's foot, toenail fungal infections, and acne. — Sherri Gordon, Verywell Health, 16 Feb. 2024 See All Example Sentences for toenail

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1691, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of toenail was in 1691

Rhymes for toenail

See All Rhymes for toenail

Browse Nearby Words

toe loop
toenail
to end all
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Toenail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toenail. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

toenail

noun
toe·​nail
-ˌnāl, 
-ˈnā(ə)l
: a nail of a toe

Medical Definition

toenail

noun
toe·​nail ˈtō-ˌnāl, -ˈnā(ə)l How to pronounce toenail (audio)
: a nail of a toe

More from Merriam-Webster on toenail

Nglish: Translation of toenail for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about toenail

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