What does nozzle mean?
A nozzle is a small opening, outlet, or fitting through which a liquid or gas is discharged. It commonly occurs at the end of a hose, pipe, shower fitting, engine, or rocket, and may be designed to regulate flow, direct a jet, or produce a particular spray pattern. The word is especially useful in technical and everyday household contexts because it distinguishes the terminal fitting or outlet from the larger pipe or hose attached to it. Although “spout” can sometimes overlap in meaning, a spout usually projects from a vessel, whereas a nozzle is commonly associated with controlled or directed flow. The word also has a broader sense referring to the projecting outlet of a machine or device.
A narrow opening or fitting at the end of a pipe, hose, or similar device, through which liquid or gas is discharged.
"Fit the nozzle to the bottle before shaking it."
The word is often used for a removable or adjustable fitting and may imply controlled direction or flow.
A projecting outlet or terminal part of a machine or other device, especially one through which material is expelled.
"Hot gases escape through the engine's nozzle."
This sense is common in engineering, aerospace, and manufacturing terminology.
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several nozzles along the pipe can be adjusted independently."
From the same root as the bodily nose, a nozzle is literally a projecting part through which something flows.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of nozzle
The word dates from the early 16th century and was formed as a diminutive of “nose,” using the older sense of a projecting or terminal part. “Nose” itself ultimately derives from Latin nasus, meaning the nose or a projecting part resembling one. The development of “nozzle” therefore reflects its original sense of a small projection resembling a nose at the end of a pipe or vessel.
How nozzle is actually used
The word is common in technical, industrial, and domestic contexts. It tends to imply a fitting or outlet with a restricted opening, rather than the outlet of a vessel, which is more usually called a spout.
Easily confused with nozzle
A spout is chiefly an upright channel or projecting outlet from a vessel, whereas a nozzle is typically a fitting through which a fluid or gas is directed.