cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyü-ti-kəl 
1
: an outer covering layer: such as
a
: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells
b
: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis
c
: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin
d
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)
Examples of cuticle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Each nail kit contains 30 varying nail sizes, a prep pad, mini nail file and a manicure stick for pushing back your cuticles.
—
Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2024
Salt Spray Salt affects a hair strand by actively lifting away the cuticle, the outermost layer that protects your hair shaft from the elements.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024
This gives you time to add back lots of moisture to the nail and surrounding skin via a cuticle oil or even just plain old hand cream, Dr. Ibrahim says.
—Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024
Following aftercare advice like using cuticle oil regularly, not picking off your gels, or wearing gloves when cleaning and [doing the dishes], is also important, Elias adds.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cuticle 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 17 Sep. 2024
Salt Spray Salt affects a hair strand by actively lifting away the cuticle, the outermost layer that protects your hair shaft from the elements.
—Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 10 July 2024
This gives you time to add back lots of moisture to the nail and surrounding skin via a cuticle oil or even just plain old hand cream, Dr. Ibrahim says.
—Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024
Following aftercare advice like using cuticle oil regularly, not picking off your gels, or wearing gloves when cleaning and [doing the dishes], is also important, Elias adds.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cuticle
Dictionary Entries Near cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 18 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail
Medical Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer covering layer: as
a
: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis
b
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share