nosedive

noun

nose·​dive ˈnōz-ˌdīv How to pronounce nosedive (audio)
Synonyms of nosedivenext
1
: a downward nose-first plunge of a flying object (such as an airplane)
2
: a sudden extreme drop
stock prices took a nosedive
nose-dive intransitive verb

Examples of nosedive in a Sentence

The plane went into a nosedive. The stock market took a nosedive.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Elon Musk’s plan to begin launching one million AI data center satellites into orbit in 2028 could trigger a financial catastrophe, sending SpaceX into a high-speed nosedive, say leading North American space scholars. Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026 The Postpartum Hormone Plunge The primary culprit behind this sudden desert-dry texture is the dramatic hormonal nosedive that occurs immediately after childbirth. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 28 May 2026 The baseball took a nosedive toward the outfield grass as Caglianone appeared to catch it inside his glove’s webbing. Kansas City Star, 27 May 2026 Not only were hooligans running riot every week, but the grounds weren’t fit for purpose, and attendances were locked into a sustained nosedive. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for nosedive

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nosedive was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nosedive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nosedive. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

nosedive

1 of 2 noun
nose·​dive ˈnōz-ˌdīv How to pronounce nosedive (audio)
1
: a downward nose-first plunge (as of an airplane)
2
: a sudden extreme drop (as in prices)

nose-dive

2 of 2 verb
nose-dived; nose-diving
: to plunge suddenly or sharply

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