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
Sea buckthorn oil helps prevent breakage, while saffron smooths the hair cuticle to minimize frizz and fight humidity.
—
Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 7 Feb. 2026
Caring for the cuticle from the very first step is key to achieving flexible, lightweight hair with movement.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
Each kit includes 30 press-on nails in various shapes and sizes, a dual-sided buffer and file, a cuticle stick, and nail glue.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Start at the tips of your nails and work towards your cuticles for a fiery look.
—Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cuticle
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.
Sarah Hoffmann, Allure, 7 Feb. 2026
Caring for the cuticle from the very first step is key to achieving flexible, lightweight hair with movement.
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026
Each kit includes 30 press-on nails in various shapes and sizes, a dual-sided buffer and file, a cuticle stick, and nail glue.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, PEOPLE, 31 Jan. 2026
Start at the tips of your nails and work towards your cuticles for a fiery look.
—Odeya Pinkus, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cuticle
Cite this Entry
“Cuticle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuticle. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
