nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnä-strəl How to pronounce nostril (audio)
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
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.
In this artwork, Stubbs captures the distinct features of the animal, including the wide nostrils and large bones in the back of the head. Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024 Hopkins believed that this was evidence that aliens inserted an impact into her nostril. Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 By that time, the smell of loneliness is already in his nostrils. Yukio Mishima, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024 After receiving stitches to close a gash from the corner of his mouth all the way up through his nostril, Plante returns to the ice wearing a mask. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nostril 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nostril was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near nostril

Cite this Entry

“Nostril.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nostril. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

nostril

noun
nos·​tril ˈnäs-trəl How to pronounce nostril (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce nostril (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on nostril

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!