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

• beak
• conk [chiefly British slang]
• honker [slang]
• neb
• nose
• proboscis
• schnoz [slang]
• schnozz
• schnozzle [slang]
• smeller
• snoot
• 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

United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket lost a nozzle from one of its solid rocket boosters on a test flight last year, but the launch vehicle persevered and continued its climb into orbit. —ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025

The turbo nozzle helps get cleaning done 50% faster than a standard nozzle. —Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2025

While steaming, be sure to hold the steamer nozzle upright so hot water doesn't spill or dribble out. —Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025

Well, the actual structure of the shelter will be constructed in parts elsewhere (presumably in a factory), using a standard 3D printer, which will extrude a cement-like mixture out of a nozzle in layers to build up the shapes required. —Adam Williams, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025

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