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

To do that effectively, breathe slowly in through your nostrils for a count of five, hold it briefly, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of seven. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

The mustard is the kind that singes your nostrils and leaves a tear in your eye. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024

In what appears to be a dream, a creepy-crawly form is seen moving under the skin of Jakub’s face, its pedipalps first making an abortive attempt to exit via his nostrils before a sizeable spider emerges from his mouth. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024

In the study, which was published Tuesday in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers found that cold air can damage the immune response in the nostrils. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023

Breasts, buttocks, nostrils, ears, eyelids: almost nothing is off limits. —Jane Alexander, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Feb. 2024

Smoke coated the back of their throats and clogged their nostrils with the acrid smell of melting plastic. —Julia Shipley, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2024

Reducing the temperature inside the nose by as little as 9 degrees may kill nearly 50% of the virus and bacteria-fighting cells in the nostrils. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023

For his role as Erik, the disfigured organist who haunts the catacombs of the Paris opera house, Chaney underwent a dramatic — and painful — transformation that involved pulling back his nostrils with piano wire to create a skeletal look. —Katie Rife, EW.com, 12 Mar. 2024

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

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