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
Bloom covers the grape’s outer layer (what’s unfortunately known as the cuticle) and often includes yeast.
—
Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 23 Apr. 2024
Not just to the cuticle either, but also under the nail and on the nail bed as well.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024
Because the cuticle is no longer lying flat, your hair looks dull, tangles more easily, and becomes trickier to style.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide act together to open up the cuticle, interact with melanin and keratin (those are responsible for color and texture), and change the structure in order to deposit dye.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2024
Frizz occurs when a lack of moisture in hair combines with a rough cuticle, which can be caused by something as innocuous as towel drying your hair.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023
It’s infused with avocado oil, a rich source of vitamin E, which prevents hair loss, seals the hair cuticle, dials up your natural shine, and makes your tresses extra smooth.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024
Minerva recommends using cuticle oil to moisturize nails and surrounding skin, and wearing gloves to do the dishes to avoid exposure to hot water, which can cause the polish to prematurely lift around the edges.
—Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024
Suitable for all hair types and colors, the clear gloss utilizes a mix of apricot oil, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide to seal hair cuticles and intensify glassiness for three days.
—Mary Honkus, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024
Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appétit, 23 Apr. 2024
Not just to the cuticle either, but also under the nail and on the nail bed as well.
—India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2024
Because the cuticle is no longer lying flat, your hair looks dull, tangles more easily, and becomes trickier to style.
—Sophia Panych, Allure, 2 Apr. 2024
Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide act together to open up the cuticle, interact with melanin and keratin (those are responsible for color and texture), and change the structure in order to deposit dye.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2024
Frizz occurs when a lack of moisture in hair combines with a rough cuticle, which can be caused by something as innocuous as towel drying your hair.
—Georgia Day, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2023
It’s infused with avocado oil, a rich source of vitamin E, which prevents hair loss, seals the hair cuticle, dials up your natural shine, and makes your tresses extra smooth.
—Jenn Barthole, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024
Minerva recommends using cuticle oil to moisturize nails and surrounding skin, and wearing gloves to do the dishes to avoid exposure to hot water, which can cause the polish to prematurely lift around the edges.
—Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024
Suitable for all hair types and colors, the clear gloss utilizes a mix of apricot oil, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide to seal hair cuticles and intensify glassiness for three days.
—Mary Honkus, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cuticle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 27 Apr. 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)
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