nostril
NOS-trihl
Nostril (noun) means Either of the two openings in the nose used for breathing and smelling. Example: “Cold air stung his nostrils as he stepped outside.”
noun
1
Either of the two openings in the nose used for breathing and smelling.
"Cold air stung his nostrils as he stepped outside."
How to use nostril
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne of the two holes in your nose you breathe through.
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Word forms
- Plural
- nostrils
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Cold air stung his _____ as he stepped outside.
Etymology
From Old English nosþyrel, literally "nose hole" — a fusion of nose and thirl ("hole"), the same thirl found in nostril's old cousin "thrill."
Synonyms
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anterior naris
Frequently asked questions
What does “nostril” mean?
The word “nostril” means either of the two openings in the nose used for breathing and smelling. In plain terms, one of the two holes in your nose you breathe through.
How do you pronounce “nostril”?
“Nostril” is pronounced NOS-trihl (/ˈnɑ.stɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “nostril” in a sentence?
Here is “nostril” used in a sentence: “Cold air stung his nostrils as he stepped outside.”
What part of speech is “nostril”?
“Nostril” is a noun.
Where does the word “nostril” come from?
The word “nostril” comes from Old English. From Old English nosþyrel, literally "nose hole" — a fusion of nose and thirl ("hole"), the same thirl found in nostril's old cousin "thrill.".
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