manicure

[ man-i-kyoor ]

noun

1. a cosmetic treatment of the hands and fingernails, including trimming and polishing of the nails and removing cuticles.
2. a manicurist.

verb (used with object)

, man·i·cured, man·i·cur·ing.

1. to take care of (the hands and fingernails); apply manicure treatment to.
2. to trim or cut meticulously:

   to manicure a lawn.

verb (used without object)

, man·i·cured, man·i·cur·ing.

1. to give a manicure.

manicure

/ ˈmænɪˌkjʊə /

noun

1. care of the hands and fingernails, involving shaping the nails, removing cuticles, etc
2. another word for manicurist

verb

1. to care for (the hands and fingernails) in this way
2. tr to trim neatly

Other Words From

• un·mani·cured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manicure¹

1875–80; < French < Latin mani- (combining form of manus hand) + cūra care

Word History and Origins

Origin of manicure¹

C19: from French, from Latin manus hand + cūra care

Example Sentences

I love a Sunday night putter: cleaning out a drawer in my bathroom or giving myself a manicure, because I never go and get them.

From Los Angeles Times

But to give a sense of the whiplash induced by the play, one minute cookies are being baked while rum and coke is served, the next a manicure set transforms the women’s bonding session into a scene of Roman tragedy horror.

From Los Angeles Times

Stone, who is married to Broadway veteran actor Christopher Fitzgerald, celebrated her nomination in a very New York way: She got an everything toasted bagel with cream cheese and a manicure.

From Seattle Times

If you know the day or week may be difficult, “plan something that nurtures you,” suggested mental health professional Gail McCormick, whether that’s getting a manicure, having coffee with a friend or giving yourself time to sit with your feelings.

From Seattle Times

For $6, it’s more attainable than other photos taken only to be shared: a manicure in a luxury car, a peek of a designer shoe or a recognizable dish at an impossible-to-get-into restaurant.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beautify