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

These methods vary widely, including mouth taping to encourage nose breathing, using nostril expanders, taking supplements, and investing in sleep-tracking devices like an Oura ring. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2024

In this artwork, Stubbs captures the distinct features of the animal, including the wide nostrils and large bones in the back of the head. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN, 26 Nov. 2024

Hopkins believed that this was evidence that aliens inserted an impact into her nostril. —Monica Mercuri, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

By that time, the smell of loneliness is already in his nostrils. —Yukio Mishima, The New Yorker, 27 Oct. 2024

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

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