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

While the concentrated nozzle of some finishing sprays can feel too heavy in one spot, this alcohol-free, non-aerosol formula delivers a light, misty texture for even distribution and buildable hold. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 17 Feb. 2025

Use a fire extinguisher by pulling the pin, aiming at the base of the fire, squeezing the lever slowly and sweeping the nozzle side to side For a grease fire, try to cover the flames with a lid or pan to snuff them out. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 Jan. 2025

Mix the same strength solution in a sink or bucket and add the nozzle, lid, and other non-electrical components. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2025

Instead of manual assembly, HITS-Bio employs a four-by-four array of pipette nozzles that are digitally directed to move in three dimensions, all while also handling multiple spheroids at once. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

diminutive of nose

First Known Use

1683, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for nozzle

• causal
• clausal
• tahsil
• menopausal
• postmenopausal
• premenopausal

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