bull nose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Informal descriptive
Quick answer
What does “bull nose” mean?
A short, broad, upturned nose, or a type of architectural or construction feature where a rounded edge replaces a sharp corner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short, broad, upturned nose, or a type of architectural or construction feature where a rounded edge replaces a sharp corner.
Used metaphorically for objects with a rounded or blunt front; also a specific type of tool (e.g., a bullnose plane for carpentry) and a style of masonry brick or tile.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. More likely to be hyphenated ('bull-nose') in British English, especially when describing a feature like a 'bull-nose step'. In US English, solid form ('bullnose') is common for construction materials (e.g., bullnose tile).
Connotations
Slightly more common in UK English in building/DIY contexts (e.g., bullnose edging on kitchen worktops). In both varieties, describing a person's nose is informal and potentially impolite.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. Specialist term in construction/trades; rare in general conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “bull nose” in a Sentence
[to have] a bull nose[feature/install] bullnose [tiles/steps][plane/shape] with a bull noseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bull nose” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The carpenter will bullnose the edge of the worktop for safety.
American English
- We need to bullnose these tiles before installation.
adjective
British English
- The renovation included classic bull-nose steps at the entrance.
American English
- We selected bullnose trim for the ceramic tile border.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except potentially in specific industries like construction supplies or architectural design when discussing finish details.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical descriptions of facial features or architectural history.
Everyday
Low. Used informally to describe someone's nose shape, though caution is needed to avoid offence. More common in DIY/home improvement contexts.
Technical
Primary domain: construction, carpentry, masonry, and tile-setting to describe materials/tools with a rounded profile.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bull nose”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bull nose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bull nose”
- Confusing 'bullnose' with 'pug nose' (which is shorter and more upturned). Using 'bull nose' as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'a bullnose brick' is more standard than 'a bull nose brick').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is generally impolite to comment on someone's physical features in this way. It is a descriptive term best used for objects.
'Bullnose' is a specific technical term implying a consistent, smooth, quarter-round profile. 'Rounded' is more general.
Yes, in technical/trade contexts (e.g., carpentry, masonry) it means to shape an edge into a rounded bullnose form.
For facial features, they are close synonyms, both describing short, broad noses. 'Snub nose' often implies a more upturned tip.
A short, broad, upturned nose, or a type of architectural or construction feature where a rounded edge replaces a sharp corner.
Bull nose is usually technical / informal descriptive in register.
Bull nose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊl ˌnəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊl ˌnoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly, but sometimes used in similes: 'built like a bull, with a bull nose to match'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BULL's strong, rounded muzzle. A 'bull nose' is a similarly broad, rounded shape, whether on a face or a tile.
Conceptual Metaphor
PHYSICAL BLUNTNESS IS STRENGTH / A ROUNDED SHAPE IS NON-THREATENING (compared to a sharp edge).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bull nose' most appropriately used?