snore

1 of 2

verb

snored; snoring

intransitive verb

: to breathe during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate

transitive verb

: to spend (time) in snoring or sleeping
snorer noun

snore

2 of 2

noun

1
: an act of snoring
2
: a noise of or as if of snoring

Examples of snore in a Sentence

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.
Verb
While crawfish frogs might be notorious for their rap sheets full of B&Es, they are also said to have a distinct sound when calling, almost like the sound of someone snoring. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 3 Sep. 2025 Featuring an ergonomic design and Smart ANC, the Sleep A30 can deliver all-night peace and quiet from noisy environments, which could include a snoring partner, a garbage truck collecting at some unearthly hour or any of the other nocturnal sounds that can disturb sleep. Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
Noun
But not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, and not everyone with sleep apnea snores. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Aug. 2025 Aside from one period, the Western Conference Finals is a snore fest blowout, and the Dallas Stars don’t belong on the same sheet of ice with the Edmonton Oilers. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for snore

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snoren, fnoren; akin to Old English fnora sneezing, fnǣran to breathe heavily

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of snore was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Snore.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snore. Accessed 7 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

snore

verb
ˈsnō(ə)r,
ˈsnȯ(ə)r
: to breathe with a rough hoarse noise while sleeping
snore noun
snorer noun

Medical Definition

snore

1 of 2 intransitive verb
snored; snoring
: to breathe during sleep with a rough hoarse noise due to vibration of the soft palate

snore

2 of 2 noun
1
: an act of snoring
2
: a noise of snoring

More from Merriam-Webster on snore

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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