What does nostril mean?
A nostril is one of the two external openings of the nose. The word is most often used in the plural, nostrils, when describing the openings together or describing the way an animal or person breathes or smells. Nostrils are not merely passive passages: they contribute to the movement of air, help warm and moisten it, and are associated with the sense of smell. In figurative descriptions, flaring nostrils may suggest alertness, excitement, or the detection of an interesting scent. The word is common in both everyday speech and literary description, while the related technical term naris refers to a nostril or other nasal opening. Its vivid use in animal writing makes it especially memorable, since a character’s breathing can be portrayed through the nostrils alone.
nounEither of the two external openings in the nose through which air is breathed. The nostrils also help filter, warm, and moisten inhaled air.
- One of the two openings at the lower part of the nose, used for breathing.
"The horse flared its nostrils as it caught the scent."
"Cold air made her nostrils flare as she stepped outside."
"The dog pushed its wet nose through the open gate, its nostrils working furiously."
The plural is the usual form when speaking of the two openings of the nose, especially when describing breathing, smelling, or flaring.
"The animal's nostrils flared as it searched the air."
A horse's flared nostrils can reveal its alertness long before it moves, making this small facial feature an unusually expressive signal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nostril
The word comes from Old English nosu, meaning nose, combined with a diminutive or related element that produced the sense of a small opening or little nose. The modern form entered Middle English and was established before the modern spelling conventions. The word belongs to the same Indo-European family as Latin nasus, meaning nose, and the Latin singular naris, meaning nostril or opening.
Related word forms
How nostril is actually used
The singular form is nostril; nostrils is the usual form when referring to both openings. In figurative use, especially about animals, nostrils can suggest conspicuous sniffing or alertness.