nail-biter

noun

nail-bit·​er ˈnāl-ˌbī-tər How to pronounce nail-biter (audio)
: something (such as a close contest) that induces tension or anxiety
nail-biting adjective

Examples of nail-biter in a Sentence

a presidential election that was one of the great nail-biters of all time
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.
The team also nearly advanced in the playoffs, but were eliminated in a 23-20 nail-biter against the Washington Commanders. James Brizuela, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025 Catch up quick: The Armed Services Committee approved Hegseth with a nail-biter vote of 14-13. Axios, 20 Jan. 2025 The very next night, Houston lost a nail-biter to the Sacramento Kings in front of a national television audience, 132-127. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025 Mid-major check-in • UTSA is 15-2 and 6-0 in American play after a nail-biter against Memphis. Mark Schindler, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for nail-biter 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nail-biter was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near nail-biter

Cite this Entry

“Nail-biter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nail-biter. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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