What does snout mean?
A snout is the forward-projecting muzzle of an animal, such as the broad, blunt snout of a pig or the narrower muzzle of a dog. The word is especially useful in zoological description, where it distinguishes the whole projecting muzzle from the nose alone. In figurative and informal contexts, a snout can also mean a person's conspicuous or unpleasant nose. British English has additional informal meanings: a police informer and, historically or in casual speech, a cigarette. Although snout is straightforwardly understandable across English-speaking countries, it is less common than the general words nose and muzzle, and its figurative uses often carry a disparaging or colloquial tone.
The forward-projecting muzzle of an animal, especially one such as a pig, dog, or other mammal.
"The seal's blunt snout emerged briefly above the water."
The zoological sense is the standard and most technical use. Figurative senses for a human nose or face are generally disparaging.
Informally, a police informer or an informant who provides information to the police.
"The suspect accused the neighbor of being a snout."
Chiefly British and informal; the tone is derogatory.
Informally, a cigarette or cigar.
"He lit his snout and stepped outside."
Chiefly British and informal, and more common in older usage than in current standard English.
To poke or thrust one's snout into or against something, especially while searching.
"The pig snouted around the trough looking for food."
This is a relatively uncommon verb form; it is especially associated with literal descriptions of animals.
The usual plural of snout.
"The animals were distinguished by their long, narrow snouts."
A snout is more than an animal's nose: it is the muzzle itself, projecting forward from the face.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of snout
Snout is recorded in Middle English in the sense 'muzzle' and is generally traced to an Old English ancestor meaning nose or muzzle. The word belongs to a Germanic family that also includes related forms in languages such as Dutch and German, although the precise development of its modern figurative senses is less clearly documented.
Related word forms
How snout is actually used
In zoological description, snout is a precise term for the muzzle of an animal. Its use for a human face is disparaging, while the senses meaning a police informer and a cigarette are chiefly informal and associated particularly with British English.
Easily confused with snout
A snout is the projecting muzzle of an animal, whereas snuff can mean finely powdered tobacco or, as a verb, to inhale through the nose.