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

Whales breathe through their blowholes, which are the equivalent of nostrils on their heads. —Juana Summers, NPR, 26 Dec. 2025

This means running your hand over your dog, looking in his eyes, nostrils, and gums, and checking each pawpad. —Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025

Even delicate feline nostrils and curved claws that could scratch like thorns won her undying admiration. —Literary Hub, 9 Dec. 2025

Throughout the day, which nostril is dominant keeps swapping. —Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 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