nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnä-zəl 

1

a

: a projecting vent of something

b

: a short tube with a taper or constriction used (as on a hose) to speed up or direct a flow of fluid

c

: a part in a rocket engine that accelerates the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to a high velocity

2

slang : nose

Synonyms of nozzle

• nose
• snout

Examples of nozzle in a Sentence

in this classic film noir, a private eye gets his nozzle sliced when he starts poking it into places where it's not welcome

Recent Examples on the Web

One of four boosters suffered what looked like a burn through of one of its nozzles about 30 seconds into launch, similar to what a Vulcan launch suffered in 2024 on its second ever flight. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026

All models feature a two-tone design, with the rotating nozzle at the top matching the buttons and contrasting with the rest of the body. —Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026

The rockets continued on into orbit, but the booster nozzle malfunctions suggest something is seriously amiss at ULA and its booster supplier, Northrop Grumman. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2026

White nozzles have low pressure for gentle cleaning. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of nose

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for nozzle

• causal
• clausal
• tahsil
• menopausal
• postmenopausal
• premenopausal

Kids Definition

nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnäz-əl 

: a short tube that narrows in the middle or toward one end and is often used (as on a hose or pipe) to direct or speed up a flow of fluid