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

Alternate nostril breathing is extremely helpful in those stressful moments, too. —Lidija Globokar, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

Combining a once-daily oral antihistamine with a nasal steroid (spritzed in each nostril up to twice a day) can usually blunt, if not completely knock out, spring allergy symptoms, Dr. Oller says. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 2 Apr. 2025

Plastic straws were also noted sticking out of sea turtle nostrils, and sickening or killing seabirds, fish, manatees, dolphins and other marine mammals. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025

Stepping away into the L.A. mountains, you’ll be greeted with a sound bath from crickets and birds as the smell of pine, sage and bay laurel fills your nostrils. —Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 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