Nail

/neɪl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small metal spike with a broadened flat head, used for fastening things together.

He used a hammer to drive the nail into the wall.

A slender pointed structure at the end of a finger or toe.

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

A unit of measurement for the length of a nail, usually in inches.

The carpenter explained that this is a three-inch nail.

verb

To fasten something to a surface with a nail.

She decided to nail the poster to the corkboard.

To do something excellently or successfully.

He really nailed the presentation with his thorough preparation.

To capture or secure something.

The police were able to nail the suspect after a long investigation.

Old English nægel, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch nagel and German Nagel.

to nail it

To do something perfectly or succeed

nail down

To fasten or secure something

hit the nail on the head

To be exactly correct about something

hammer

A tool used for driving nails into wood.

claw

A part of a hammer used to pull out nails.

manicure

A cosmetic treatment for the fingernails.

To have sexual relations.

He was bragging about how he nailed her.

To do something exceptionally well.

She really nailed that performance!