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

In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Some people also find relief with the Toynbee maneuver, which Lee says involves taking and holding a breath through your nose, pinching your nostrils closed while keeping your mouth shut, then swallowing. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025

The elk walked single file, streams of breath shooting out 2 feet from their nostrils. —Jack Atcheson Sr. As Told To Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025

Notice the rise and fall of your belly; the air moving in and out of your nostrils. —Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 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