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

They’re drawn by its floor-to-ceiling windows and Hudson River views, plus the porte-cochere that allows discreet access to $500,000 parking spaces away from paparazzi and nosy neighbors. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 8 Oct. 2026

Coolidge joins Watts, Cannavale, Margo Martindale, who played nosy neighbor Mo, and Isabel Gravitt, who played the married couple’s daughter Ellie Brannock, in returning. — Peter White, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026

Most significantly, Jessica Lange returns to American Horror Story for the first time since Apocalypse, once again taking on her season-one role as Constance, the nosy neighbor who lived next door to the Murder House. — Jen Chaney, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2026

This can help divert people who are just being nosy and clarify the intention of others. — R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 14 July 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