a small metal spike with a broadened flat head, driven typically into wood with a hammer to join things together or to serve as a peg or hook, a horny covering on the upper surface of the tip of the finger and toe in humans and other primates

hit the nail on the head, on the nail, biting your nails

Formal and Informal Expressions of nail

In different contexts, you can replace 'nail' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'spike, pin' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'tack, peg' is a commonplace synonym.

nail: Explore its Definition & Usage

nail Definition

1a small metal spike with a broadened flat head, driven typically into wood with a hammer to join things together or to serve as a peg or hook
2a horny covering on the upper surface of the tip of the finger and toe in humans and other primates

Using nail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "nail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He hammered the nail into the wall.
Example
She painted her nails bright red.
Example
The horse lost a shoe because a nail had come loose.
Example
I broke a nail trying to open the can.

nail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for nail

Antonyms for nail

Phrases with nail

hit the nail on the head
to do or say something exactly right
Example
You hit the nail on the head with your analysis of the situation.
on the nail
immediately, without delay
Example
I'll pay you on the nail.
biting your nails
to be nervous or anxious about something
Example
She was biting her nails while waiting for the test results.

Origins of nail

Old English 'nægl', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'nagel' and German 'Nagel'

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Summary: nail in Brief

The term 'nail' [neɪl] refers to a small metal spike used to join things together or a horny covering on the upper surface of the tip of the finger and toe. Examples include 'He hammered the nail into the wall.' and 'She painted her nails bright red.' Phrases like 'hit the nail on the head' denote doing something exactly right, while 'biting your nails' means being nervous or anxious.