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

The window washing robot utilizes up to 5,500Pa of suction to stay locked on while its dual-sided nozzles apply a cleaning solution to make your glass shine. —PC Magazine, 19 Apr. 2025

Its 1-gallon dust canister can run through the dishwasher and its inner workings can be rinsed simply by sticking its nozzle into a cup of clean water and sucking it up. —Clint Davis, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025

Three times a day, a fog drifts from nozzles hidden in flower beds and rolls down the hills in the Khao Yai Art Forest in Thailand. —Justin Porter, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

This adjustable nozzle will make gardening all the simpler thanks to its comfortable grip that’s designed to minimize stress on both your hands and wrists. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

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