nail file

noun

1. a small file of metal or cardboard, for trimming, smoothing, or shaping the fingernails and sometimes having a point for removing dirt from under them.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nail file¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

The nail file and nail scissors must be used as often as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

I had my nail file out and was touching up a cuticle, holding it out for inspection before I said anything.

From Project Gutenberg

He flung himself down in a chair before his dressing-table and picked up a nail-file.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a dagger consisting of a sharpened nail file, about three inches long, driven into a roughly rounded piece of wood.

From Project Gutenberg

I havent seen it since she borrowed it, and Ive ruined my nail-file trying to open the box of cake mother sent.

From Project Gutenberg