nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnä-strəl 

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

McPeek also had the horse scoped, where a tube is inserted in the horse’s nostril and then pushed down to see whether there are any respiratory issues, and that apparently came back good. —John Cherwa, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2024

In a heart-thumping finish, Mystik Dan won the race by a flared nostril. —Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 May 2024

As for electric nasal aspirators, simply stick the tip inside your child’s nostril and press a button. —Christin Perry, Parents, 10 May 2024

Experts recommend using a decongestant nasal spray in each nostril before takeoff and descent to alleviate those symptoms. —Chris Heasman, Travel + Leisure, 9 May 2024

Gently and carefully apply to the affected nostril. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 8 May 2024

While no blood is drawn on the Hot Ones set, her nostrils tingle from the smell of the sauces alone before her costar Noah Schnapp joins her for the first bite. —Chris Snellgrove, EW.com, 8 May 2024

The winner edged Sierra Leone by a nose, with Forever Young another nostril behind. —Greg Cote, Miami Herald, 5 May 2024

In a close finish, Mystik Dan won the Kentucky Derby by a mere horse's nostril over Sierra Leone. —Emma Bowman, NPR, 4 May 2024

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

Kids Definition

nostril

noun

nos·​tril ˈnäs-trəl 

: 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 

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