nail-biter

or nail bit·er

[ neyl-bahy-ter ]

noun

1. a person who bites their nails, especially habitually.
2. a situation marked by anxiety or tension.

Other Words From

• nail-biting noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nail-biter¹

1970–75

Example Sentences

While the final outcome is still in doubt, it appears increasingly likely that America is in for another nail-biter of an election.

From BBC

But there are still many nail-biters with huge implications:

From Los Angeles Times

From there, the game became a nail-biter, with the Dodgers ahead 7-6 going into the ninth inning.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the third game in the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees at the Cleveland Guardians was a nail-biter.

From Los Angeles Times

In a nail-biter election Nov. 5, expect the losing side to challenge the results in court.

From Los Angeles Times