nosedive

noun

nose·​dive ˈnōz-ˌdīv How to pronounce nosedive (audio)
1
: a downward nose-first plunge of a flying object (such as an airplane)
2
: a sudden extreme drop
stock prices took a nosedive
nose-dive intransitive verb

Examples of nosedive in a Sentence

The plane went into a nosedive. The stock market took a nosedive.
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.
A lot of my clients are noticing that their libidos have taken a nosedive without any discernible reason at first glance. Myisha Battle, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025 Maybe your blood sugar took a nosedive because your granola bar lunch skimped on protein. Caroline Tien, SELF, 12 Mar. 2025 However, Anthony's mental health took a nosedive during the pandemic. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025 Gauges of consumer sentiment have taken a post-election nosedive, and retail sales fell sharply last month. J.j. McCorvey, NBC News, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nosedive

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nosedive was in 1912

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nosedive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nosedive. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

nosedive

1 of 2 noun
nose·​dive ˈnōz-ˌdīv How to pronounce nosedive (audio)
1
: a downward nose-first plunge (as of an airplane)
2
: a sudden extreme drop (as in prices)

nose-dive

2 of 2 verb
nose-dived; nose-diving
: to plunge suddenly or sharply

More from Merriam-Webster on nosedive

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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