cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyü-ti-kəl 
1
: an outer covering layer: such as
a
: an external envelope (as of an insect) secreted usually by epidermal cells
b
: the outermost layer of animal integument composed of epidermis
c
: a thin continuous fatty or waxy film on the external surface of many higher plants that consists chiefly of cutin
d
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of overlapping scales of epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (such as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail)
Examples of cuticle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like skin, nails need moisture—using cuticle oils, hand creams, or natural oils like olive and coconut oil can keep them hydrated and prevent brittleness.
—
Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Generously apply cuticle oil, and massage it into your nails to nourish them.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025
Caring for the cuticle: The MNT may gently manipulate the cuticles, emphasizing not injuring the tissue or damaging the nail.
—Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Think hydrating cuticle oils, gentle strengtheners, and moisturizers to keep your nails healthy, strong, and polished.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cuticle 
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Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Generously apply cuticle oil, and massage it into your nails to nourish them.
—Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 3 Feb. 2025
Caring for the cuticle: The MNT may gently manipulate the cuticles, emphasizing not injuring the tissue or damaging the nail.
—Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 3 Feb. 2025
Think hydrating cuticle oils, gentle strengtheners, and moisturizers to keep your nails healthy, strong, and polished.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for cuticle
Dictionary Entries Near cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer layer (as of skin or a leaf) often produced by the cells beneath
2
: a dead or horny layer of skin especially around a fingernail
Medical Definition
cuticle
noun
cu·ti·cle
ˈkyüt-i-kəl
1
: an outer covering layer: as
a
: the outermost layer of integument composed of epidermis
b
: the outermost membranous layer of a hair consisting of cornified epithelial cells
2
: dead or horny epidermis (as that surrounding the base and sides of a fingernail or toenail)
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