nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnä-zəl How to pronounce nozzle (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Options that are marketed to be compatible with multiple dryers were tested across a variety of dryers with different shapes and sizes to confirm the claim; those that slipped off the nozzle or took elbow grease to lock in were removed from our list. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025 The cream and sugar nozzles and coffee half-and-half dispenser had residue and dust accumulation. Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Long nozzles shoot out fiberglass, which is then chopped into one-inch pieces; following behind the person wielding the nozzle is someone else with a tool that looks like a paint roller, which blends the resin and fiberglass expertly to remove any surface disruptions. Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 24 Sep. 2025 Rinse the nozzle off with water. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nozzle

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of nose

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of nozzle was in 1683

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nozzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nozzle. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

nozzle

noun
noz·​zle ˈnäz-əl How to pronounce nozzle (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on nozzle

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