The first efficient and general nickel-catalyzed hydrocyanation of terminal alkynes with Zn(CN)(2) in the presence of water has been developed. The reaction provides a regioselective protocol for the synthesis of functionalized vinyl nitriles with a range of structural diversity under mild reaction conditions while obviating use of the volatile and hazardous reagent of HCN. Deuterium-labeling experiments confirmed the role of water as the hydrogen source in this hydrocyanation reaction.