nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnä-strəl How to pronounce nostril (audio)
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
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.
But medical updates this week have focused on his continued physical and respiratory therapy, as well as the rotation from high-flow oxygen through nostril tubes during the day and a non-invasive ventilation mask at night to help ensure his rest. Colleen Barry, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2025 Start your meeting with a breathing exercise—box breathing, 4-7-8 breathing or alternate nostril breathing. Katharina Schmidt, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Into those black dog nostrils there came the exhilarating smell of lion scent. Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 God created these holidaymakers from dust and breathed into their nostrils the (Ujjayi) breath of life. Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nostril

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of nostril was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

nostril

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

More from Merriam-Webster on nostril

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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