nail-biter

or nail bit·er

[ neyl-bahy-ter ]
/ ˈneɪlˌbaɪ tər /

noun

a person who bites his or her nails, especially habitually.
a situation marked by anxiety or tension.

Origin of nail-biter

1970–75

OTHER WORDS FROM nail-biter

nail-bit·ing, noun

Words nearby nail-biter

nail skin, nail technician, nail up, nail varnish, nail violin, nail-biter, nail-biting, nail-patella syndrome, nail-sick, nailbiter, nailbrush

Definition for nailbiter (2 of 2)

nail-biting
[ neyl-bahy-ting ]
/ ˈneɪlˌbaɪ tɪŋ /

noun

the act or practice of biting one's fingernails, especially as the result of anxiety or nervousness.
Informal. nervousness: The announcement that the trade agreement had been signed ended a week of nail-biting on Wall Street.

adjective

Informal. causing nervousness: The nail-biting part of the canoe trip was through the stretches of white water.

Origin of nail-biting

First recorded in 1890–95

OTHER WORDS FROM nail-biting

nail-bit·er, noun

British Dictionary definitions for nailbiter (1 of 2)

nailbiter
/ (ˈneɪlˌbaɪtə) /

noun

a person who bites his or her nails
a person who is anxious or tense
something that causes anxiety or tension

British Dictionary definitions for nailbiter (2 of 2)

nail-biting

noun

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