variants
or nosey
nosier; nosiest
: of prying or inquisitive (see inquisitive sense 2) disposition or quality : intrusive
nosy reporters
nosy neighbors
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
The show has been laying the groundwork for this twist all season, especially with the introduction of Mira Sorvino’s new role as the empathetic, but nosy neighbor, Ruth.
—
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Nov. 2023
Calvin and Elizabeth's neighbor Harriet, for instance, is no longer a nosy neighbor spying on Elizabeth out of boredom.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 13 Oct. 2023
At one end is Francesca’s kitchen, and at the other, the house of their eternally fussing neighbors, Charlie (Christopher Bloch) and nosy but reliable Marge (Rayanne Gonzales).
—Peter Marks, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Your friendly neighbor/nosy mother-in-law/neatnik best friend is stopping by your place in 30 minutes.
—Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
Claim to Fame continues to delight nosy pop culture fanatics and reality show lovers alike.
—Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 14 Aug. 2023
Her editor then decides to send her to a cozy cabin in the country, far away from any nosy fans and distractions.
—Josie Howell | Jhowell@al.com, al, 13 Aug. 2023
The zippered top-layer privacy pouch hides your gear from nosy neighbors and is perfect for storing smaller loose items like ID or credit cards, coins, earbud cases, or your passport.
—Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2023
Their quiet lives change when an alien spaceship crash-lands in Milton’s backyard, which is conveniently remote and protected from nosy neighbors by a tall fence.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2023
See More
Hunter Ingram, Variety, 3 Nov. 2023
Calvin and Elizabeth's neighbor Harriet, for instance, is no longer a nosy neighbor spying on Elizabeth out of boredom.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 13 Oct. 2023
At one end is Francesca’s kitchen, and at the other, the house of their eternally fussing neighbors, Charlie (Christopher Bloch) and nosy but reliable Marge (Rayanne Gonzales).
—Peter Marks, Washington Post, 22 Aug. 2023
Your friendly neighbor/nosy mother-in-law/neatnik best friend is stopping by your place in 30 minutes.
—Jennifer Barger, Washington Post, 17 Aug. 2023
Claim to Fame continues to delight nosy pop culture fanatics and reality show lovers alike.
—Kelly Allen, House Beautiful, 14 Aug. 2023
Her editor then decides to send her to a cozy cabin in the country, far away from any nosy fans and distractions.
—Josie Howell | Jhowell@al.com, al, 13 Aug. 2023
The zippered top-layer privacy pouch hides your gear from nosy neighbors and is perfect for storing smaller loose items like ID or credit cards, coins, earbud cases, or your passport.
—Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2023
Their quiet lives change when an alien spaceship crash-lands in Milton’s backyard, which is conveniently remote and protected from nosy neighbors by a tall fence.
—Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post, 9 Aug. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nosy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
First Known Use
1828, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing nosy
Dictionary Entries Near nosy
Cite this Entry
“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nosy. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
More from Merriam-Webster on nosy
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share