nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnä-zəl 

1

a

: a projecting vent of something

b

: a short tube with a taper or constriction used (as on a hose) to speed up or direct a flow of fluid

c

: a part in a rocket engine that accelerates the exhaust gases from the combustion chamber to a high velocity

2

slang : nose

Synonyms

• beak
• conk [chiefly British slang]
• honker [slang]
• neb
• nose
• proboscis
• schnoz [slang]
• schnozz
• schnozzle [slang]
• smeller
• snoot
• snout

Examples of nozzle in a Sentence

in this classic film noir, a private eye gets his nozzle sliced when he starts poking it into places where it's not welcome

Recent Examples on the Web

Getty Images Roszak used the dryer with the nozzle to continue directing those hairs, skipping the typical blowout round-brushing since Stone's length doesn't allow it. —Marci Robin, Allure, 6 Jan. 2025

Importantly, that robot's print nozzle doesn't actually contact the patient's skin. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024

Most blow dryer nozzles are around 1.5 to 2.5 inches, so anything in that range should work just fine. —Erin Parker, Allure, 4 Dec. 2024

On the second flight, the nozzle fell off one of Vulcan's solid rocket boosters shortly after liftoff, but the rocket successfully continued its climb into orbit. —Ars Technica, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of nose

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

nozzle

noun

noz·​zle ˈnäz-əl 

: a short tube that narrows in the middle or toward one end and is often used (as on a hose or pipe) to direct or speed up a flow of fluid