nozzle

noun noz·zle \ ˈnä-zəl \

Updated on: 17 May 2018

Definition of nozzle

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

See nozzle defined for English-language learners

See nozzle defined for kids

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 of nozzle from the Web

Simply insert the nozzle into one nostril and dispense, then repeat with the other nostril to flush out dirt, pollen, and dust.

— korin miller, Allure, "7 Ways to Relieve Allergy and Asthma Symptoms," 24 Apr. 2018
Using a garden hose for an analogy, voltage is the water pressure while amperage is how much water leaves the nozzle.

— bob weber, chicagotribune.com, "When jump-starting a car, does it help to rev the engine?," 18 Mar. 2018
Further, newer cars were made with a much smaller tank filler hole, which wouldn’t accept the largeleaded fuel nozzles.

— star-telegram, "Gasoline: Pump Us Up?," 28 Apr. 2018
Use the included cover for the drink nozzle to keep dirt out of your supply.

— emily reed, Outside Online, "The Best Deals on Outdoor Gear and Clothing," 26 Apr. 2018
Inside, software ran checks on instruments to measure atmospheric temperature, humidity, and pressure; a tray slid into place; and a nozzle began filling a large balloon with gas.

— julia rosen, Science | AAAS, "Robot-launched weather balloons in Alaska hasten demise of remote forecast stations," 25 Apr. 2018
There are two nozzles at the back of the chamber pumping out the nitrogen vapors, and the quarter turns make sure your body gets frozen evenly … kind of like a polar rotisserie.

— lee judge special to the star, kansascity, "Cold truth about cryotherapy: Holy %#*&, the longest three minutes of my life | The Kansas City Star," 24 Apr. 2018
If not, use the nozzle attachment on your vacuum to go over the cushions and between the cracks.

— korin miller, SELF, "How to Finally Get Rid of All the Dust in Your Home That's Making You Sick," 13 Apr. 2018
The two engine nozzles are buried inside the tail of the aircraft, reducing its rearward radar aspect, and are shielded horizontally by the large horizontal stabilizers.

— kyle mizokami, Popular Mechanics, "Is This China’s Stealth Bomber?," 9 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nozzle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nozzle

diminutive of nose

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1683

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NOZZLE Defined for English Language Learners

nozzle

noun

Definition of nozzle for English Language Learners

: a short tube that is put on the end of a hose or pipe to control the way a liquid or gas flows out

NOZZLE Defined for Kids

nozzle

noun noz·zle \ ˈnä-zəl \

Definition of nozzle for Students

: a short tube often used on the end of a hose or pipe to direct or speed up a flow of fluid

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nozzle

Definition of nozzle

Examples of nozzle in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of nozzle

NOZZLE Defined for English Language Learners

nozzle

Definition of nozzle for English Language Learners

NOZZLE Defined for Kids

nozzle

Definition of nozzle for Students

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Origin and Etymology of nozzle

NOZZLE Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of nozzle for English Language Learners

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