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

Rather than a full-service manicure, Clockwork currently functions as a $10 quick nail-painting service with what it calls “minicures.”

From Digiday

It had already been offering manicures along with other beauty services, but the robots allow the service sans human interaction.

From Digiday

The notion that there is “feminine” clothing and “masculine” clothing is slowly becoming outdated, as more women wear suits to party functions, as more men wear earrings and get manicures, and as more people come out as nonbinary.

From Washington Blade

GDP, a measure of economic output, is the total value of all goods and services, from manifolds to manicures, produced in a country in a given quarter, with adjustments for factors such as trade and inflation.

From Washington Post

Some women bond over Vera Wang shoes, manicures, and tales of boys.

From Washington Blade

Now, next time you find yourself stuck at a layover in dire need of a manicure, Essie will be there to help.

From The Daily Beast

The best manicure of your life may be just around the corner.

From The Daily Beast

Not enough time for a manicure, probably just enough time for a stiff drink.

From The Daily Beast

Lauren Conrad has become synonymous with the doughnut bun, an obsession with pearls, peachy glossed lips, and a milky manicure.

From The Daily Beast

The two-tone frock accented her rose-colored pumps and highlighted her perfectly coiffed bob and hip silver manicure.

From The Daily Beast

"That manicure girl is a circus," said Mrs. Owen, quite oblivious of the undercurrent of her niece's thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

But the manicure lady was of a temperament needing no prompting.

From Project Gutenberg

I know of nothing better for the adolescent child than to teach him how properly to manicure his own nails.

From Project Gutenberg

Such occupations as will occur to every one, are manicure parlors where girls are peculiarly exposed to danger and insults.

From Project Gutenberg

Will you come back to my flat as soon as we can escape from this purgatory and Antoinette shall manicure you.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beautify