nosy

adjective

ˈnō-zē 

variants or nosey

nosier; nosiest

: of prying or inquisitive (see inquisitive sense 2) disposition or quality : intrusive

nosy reporters

nosy neighbors

nosily

ˈnō-zə-lē 

adverb

nosiness

ˈnō-zē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of nosy

• curious
• inquisitive

Examples of nosy in a Sentence

nosy in-laws asking about our finances

a nosy coworker sat down right next to us as we were having an unmistakably private conversation

Recent Examples on the Web

This will keep out nosy children and pets. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Apr. 2026

Many hedges, bushes, and trees can block sight lines, so even the nosiest of neighbors will be forced to mind their own business. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026

These beauties can also function as secret storage solutions thanks to a door bolt that will keep nosy guests away. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2026

So the characters being very nosy and curious at times came very naturally. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

nose entry 1

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing nosy

• nosy parker

Rhymes for nosy

• cosy
• cozy
• josie
• nosey
• rosy
• pharmacognosy

Kids Definition

nosy

adjective

variants or nosey

ˈnō-zē 

nosier; nosiest

: of a prying or inquisitive disposition or quality : intrusive

nosily

-zə-lē 

adverb

nosiness

-zē-nəs 

noun