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

An endoscopic biopsy with histopathology is a medical procedure in which a provider inserts an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera—through the nostrils to take a small tissue sample. —Laura Schober, Health, 14 Apr. 2025

The few recognizable features of a human face—blue eyes, nostrils, those same red lips—appear refracted through a vase of flowers. —Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025

There was no external indication of it at all; her nostrils looked even from the outside. —Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 28 May 2025

And don't forget to grab a baby nasal aspirator to help clear tiny nostrils. —Anja Webb, Parents, 28 May 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