nostril

noun
nos·​tril | \ ˈnä-strəl How to pronounce nostril (audio) \

Definition of nostril

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

The medication is sprayed directly into your nostril and takes about two weeks to take full effect, according to the CDC. Bartie Scott, Teen Vogue, "The CDC Recommends Nasal Flu Vaccines For the First Time in Two Years," 21 Sep. 2018 The nasal spray, known by the brand name Narcan, does not require any assembly and is sprayed into one nostril of someone who has overdosed. Abigail Abrams, Time, "The Surgeon General Says More People Should Carry Naloxone, the Opioid Antidote. Here's Where to Get It and How Much It Costs," 5 Apr. 2018 Its prominent nostrils resemble retractable headlights; heat-sensing receptors below them enable it to key in on the body temperatures of its mostly warmblooded prey. Gena Steffens, Smithsonian, "The Snakes That Ate Florida," 11 July 2019 Simple saline sprays or drops can literally wash the pollen out of your nostrils and eyes. Marisa Cohen, Good Housekeeping, "How to Get Relief From Fall Allergies, According to an Allergist," 19 June 2019 Camels can go for weeks without water, and their nostrils and eyelashes can form a barrier against sand. Christina Nunez, National Geographic, "Deserts, explained," 12 June 2019 In the video, Palomares-Guzman is the man holding the goat’s horns as others fill its nostrils with cocaine and then holding the goat’s mouth open as the liquor is poured in, investigators said. Jared Gilmour, miamiherald, "Georgia men force fed cocaine and whiskey to goat in 'disturbing' video, cops say | Miami Herald," 16 Feb. 2018 And is one nostril a fraction bigger than the other...? Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, "7 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Getting A Nose Job," 4 July 2019 The nostrils look collapsed or the tip of the nose looks uncomfortably pinched. Shalwah Evans, Essence, "5 Questions You Should Ask Before Deciding To Undergo Plastic Surgery," 2 July 2019

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

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First Known Use of nostril

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for nostril

Middle English nosethirl, from Old English nosthyrl, from nosu nose + thyrel hole; akin to Old English thurh through

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More Definitions for nostril

nostril

noun

English Language Learners Definition of nostril

: one of the two openings of the nose

nostril

noun
nos·​tril | \ ˈnä-strəl How to pronounce nostril (audio) \

Kids Definition of nostril

: either of the outer openings of the nose through which people and many animals breathe

nostril

noun
nos·​tril | \ ˈnäs-trəl How to pronounce nostril (audio) \

Medical Definition of nostril

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

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