nose

¹nose

noun \ˈnōz\

Definition of NOSE

1

a : the part of the face that bears the nostrils and covers the anterior part of the nasal cavity; broadly : this part together with the nasal cavity b : the anterior part of the head at the top or end of the muzzle : snout, proboscis

2

a : the sense of smell : olfaction b : aroma, bouquet

3

: the vertebrate olfactory organ

4

a : the forward end or projection of something b : the projecting or working end of a tool

5

: the stem of a boat or its protective metal covering

6

a : the nose as a symbol of prying or meddling curiosity or interference b : a knack for discovery or understanding <a keen nose for absurdity>

— on the nose

1

a : at or to a target point <the bombs landed right on the nose>

b (1) : on target : accurate (2) : accurately

2

: to win —used of horse or dog racing bets

— under one's nose

: extremely near to one <the answer was right under our noses>; also : brazenly in or as if in one's presence <embezzling funds right under his nose>

Examples of NOSE

1. The ball hit me right on the nose.
2. You need to wipe your nose.
3. I have a runny nose.
4. the long nose of the anteater
5. He got some water up his nose.
6. She wrinkled her nose in disgust.
7. That dog has a good nose.
8. The whale measures 40 feet from nose to tail.

Origin of NOSE

Middle English, from Old English nosu; akin to Old High German nasa nose, Latin nasus

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to NOSE

Synonyms: beak, conk [chiefly British slang], honker [slang], neb, nozzle [slang], proboscis, schnoz (or schnozz) [slang], schnozzle [slang], smeller, snoot, snout

Related Words: pug, pugnose

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Rhymes with NOSE

brose, chose, close, cloze, doze, gloze, hose, pose, prose, rose, Rose