tenterhook

noun

ten·​ter·​hook ˈten-tər-ˌhu̇k How to pronounce tenterhook (audio)
: a sharp hooked nail used especially for fastening cloth on a tenter
Phrases
on tenterhooks
: in a state of uneasiness, strain, or suspense
the waiting kept us on tenterhooks

Examples of tenterhook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of leaving an audience on tenterhooks, we’re left only to shrug. Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2023 There's a tentative deal on the debt ceiling, but the markets are still on tenterhooks. WSJ, 30 May 2023 The same core technologies that allow a Silicon Valley software developer to move to Colorado and work from a mountain retreat keep Starbucks baristas and home health care workers on tenterhooks. Fred Turner, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2023 But Europe is set to remain on tenterhooks through the winter, with surging prices ravaging its economies. Elena Mazneva, Bloomberg.com, 2 Sep. 2022 See all Example Sentences for tenterhook 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tenterhook was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near tenterhook

Cite this Entry

“Tenterhook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tenterhook. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!