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 outcomes ranged from nail-biters to decisive blowouts. Giovanni Malloy, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 In the final outstanding race for the U.S. House of Representatives, Merced Democrat Adam Gray ousted Republican incumbent Rep. John Duarte in a nail-biter of a race in the Central Valley. Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 2024 Los Angeles Rams 21, New Orleans Saints 14: The Rams pulled out a nail-biter, as Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi had his first loss and Taysom Hill was carted off the field. Jim Reineking, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024 And on Sunday, to start the new week, the Rockets knocked off the Pistons in a nail-biter, 101-99. Rahat Huq, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024 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 22 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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