What does manicure mean?
A manicure is a treatment of the hands and nails that typically involves cleaning, shaping, trimming, and polishing them. As a verb, “to manicure” means to perform this treatment or to give something a similarly neat, refined appearance. The word is used in both everyday beauty contexts and in descriptions of careful cosmetic presentation, as in “a manicured look.” Although manicures are most associated with fingernails, the term can also refer to care of the hands more generally. The word is common in British and American English and is neutral in tone, though it often carries an association with personal care, beauty routines, and occasions when someone wants their hands to look especially polished.
A cosmetic treatment of the hands and nails, typically involving cleaning, shaping, and polishing.
"She went for a manicure before the holiday."
The term is used in British and American English and can also refer figuratively to a carefully groomed appearance.
To clean, shape, and polish the hands and nails, especially in order to improve their appearance.
"The salon manicured the model's nails before the photoshoot."
Figuratively, it can mean to refine or carefully groom an appearance.
The plural is used for individual treatments, as in “She had several manicures,” and is less common when referring generally to the practice.
"The spa offers manicures on weekday afternoons."
The word manicure comes from Latin for “care of the hands,” so its name literally describes what it promises: devoted attention to the hands and nails.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of manicure
Manicure entered English from French, where it was borrowed in the early 19th century. The French word derives from Latin manu cura, meaning “care of the hands,” with manu from manus, “hand,” and cura, “care.” The same Latin root for “hand” appears in cognates such as manual, manuscript, and manoeuvre, while “care” is related to cure.
Related word forms
How manicure is actually used
The word is commonly used for a professional or personal nail-care treatment and is generally neutral, though it can suggest a cosmetic or pampering context. “Manicure” is also used figuratively for the careful grooming or refinement of an appearance.
Easily confused with manicure
A manicure is the treatment itself, while a manicurist is the person who performs it.