nail-biting

[ neyl-bahy-ting ]

noun

1. the act or practice of biting one's fingernails, especially as the result of anxiety or nervousness.
2. Informal. nervousness:

   The announcement that the trade agreement had been signed ended a week of nail-biting on Wall Street.

adjective

1. Informal. causing nervousness:

   The nail-biting part of the canoe trip was through the stretches of white water.

nail-biting

noun

1. the act or habit of biting one's fingernails
2. 1. anxiety or tension
   2. ( as modifier )

      nail-biting suspense

Other Words From

• nail-biter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nail-biting¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Ireland head coach Andy Farrell said his side held their nerve and "just about got there" after they came through a chaotic Autumn Nations Series match against Argentina with a nail-biting 22-19 win.

From BBC

Donald Trump has gained a lead over Kamala Harris in several of the swing states that will decide who becomes the next US president, nail-biting early projections suggest.

From BBC

The first round coincided with a nail-biting referendum on backing a change to the constitution embracing the commitment to join the EU.

From BBC

Ramping up to a nail-biting election, a slew of people with steadfast political beliefs and questionable moral values descended on New York City from far and wide.

From Salon

The nail-biting wait, long queues and fear of missing out.

From BBC

Related Words

• angst
• apprehension
• concern
• disquiet
• doubt
• dread
• jitters
• misery
• misgiving
• mistrust
• nervousness
• panic
• restlessness
• suffering
• suspense
• trouble
• uncertainty
• unease
• uneasiness