bull's nose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Technical (specific trades)
Quick answer
What does “bull's nose” mean?
The literal nose or muzzle of a bull.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The literal nose or muzzle of a bull.
A metaphor for something prominent, aggressive, or stubborn; sometimes used in carpentry/shipbuilding to refer to a rounded projecting part.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Equally rare in both. The metaphorical use is slightly more attested in American English. The carpentry/shipbuilding term 'bullnose' (as one word) is known in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, connotes brute strength, stubbornness, or a lack of finesse.
Frequency
Extremely low-frequency compound. The hyphenated or open form 'bull's nose' is far less common than the closed compound 'bullnose' for the technical meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “bull's nose” in a Sentence
[Subject] has a bull's nose.It was as stubborn as a bull's nose.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bull's nose” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a bull's-nose stubbornness about him.
American English
- The truck had a bull's-nose front grille.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Virtually never used, except perhaps in animal husbandry or literature discussing metaphor.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used descriptively when looking at a bull or in a colorful metaphor.
Technical
In carpentry/masonry, 'bullnose' refers to a rounded edge on a step, tile, or trim.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bull's nose”
- Using 'bull nose' without the possessive 's'.
- Confusing it with 'bull's eye' (centre target).
- Overusing the metaphor.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare. The literal meaning is straightforward but seldom used. The metaphorical or technical uses are niche.
'Bull's nose' is typically the literal animal feature or a metaphor. 'Bullnose' (one word, no possessive) is a standard technical term in carpentry, masonry, and shipbuilding for a rounded edge or trim.
No, there is no established verb use. The related term 'bullnose' can be used as a verb in trades (e.g., 'to bullnose the edge of the countertop').
A close conceptual translation would be 'как бычий лоб' (like a bull's forehead) or 'упрямо, как бык' (stubbornly, like a bull), focusing on the traits of bluntness and stubbornness rather than the literal nose.
The literal nose or muzzle of a bull.
Bull's nose is usually informal, technical (specific trades) in register.
Bull's nose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlz ˌnəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊlz ˌnoʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lead by the bull's nose (rare variant of 'lead by the nose')”
- “Hard as a bull's nose”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BULL pushing its NOSE through a fence – it's strong, prominent, and won't be stopped.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROMINENCE/AGGRESSION IS A BULL'S NOSE; STUBBORNNESS IS A BULL'S NOSE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common modern use of the term 'bullnose'?