nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnä-zəl 

1

a

: a projecting vent of something

b

: a short tube with a taper or constriction used (as on a hose) to speed up or direct a flow of fluid

c

: a part in a rocket engine that accelerates the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to a high velocity

2

slang : nose

Synonyms of nozzle

• nose
• snout

Examples of nozzle in a Sentence

in this classic film noir, a private eye gets his nozzle sliced when he starts poking it into places where it's not welcome

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of burning fuel, incoming air is passed through or around the reactor, rapidly heated to extremely high temperatures, and expelled through the exhaust nozzle. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026

The beam of proton radiation traveled out of a nozzle and into the tumor in his brain. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 18 June 2026

One of four boosters suffered what looked like a burn through of one of its nozzles about 30 seconds into launch, similar to what a Vulcan launch suffered in 2024 on its second ever flight. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 June 2026

Consider using quick connectors to easily switch between nozzles and sprinklers. — Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of nose

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for nozzle

• causal
• clausal
• menopausal
• postmenopausal
• premenopausal

Kids Definition

nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnäz-əl 

: a short tube that narrows in the middle or toward one end and is often used (as on a hose or pipe) to direct or speed up a flow of fluid