nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnä-strəl 

1

: either of the external nares

broadly : either of the nares with the adjoining passage on the same side of the septum

2

: either fleshy lateral wall of the nose

Examples of nostril in a Sentence

My left nostril is stuffed up.

She left in a rage, her nostrils flaring.

Recent Examples on the Web

Then in the spring, trees pump out pollen which the wind spreads around, including into your nostrils. —Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2025

Lamb kidneys that’ll make your nostrils flare from two tables away. —Amiel Stanek, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025

The viral clip showing a sea turtle’s distress during the veterinary removal of a plastic straw embedded in its nostril spurred a mass movement. —Genia Naro MacIel, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025

Alternate Nostril Breathing This technique involves breathing into one nostril while the other is held closed, and then alternating nostrils. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 16 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nosethirl, from Old English nosthyrl, from nosu nose + thyrel hole; akin to Old English thurh through

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for nostril

• austral
• rostral

Kids Definition

nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnäs-trəl 

: either of the outer openings of the nose through which one breathes

also : either fleshy wall forming a side of the nose

Etymology

Old English nosthyrl "nostril," literally "nose hole," from nosu "nose" and thyrel "hole" — related to thrill see Word History at thrill

Medical Definition

nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnäs-trəl 

1

: either of the external nares

broadly : either of the nares with the adjoining passage on the same side of the nasal septum

2

: either fleshy lateral wall of the nose