hooknose: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowDescriptive, sometimes derogatory/offensive when referring to a person.
Quick answer
What does “hooknose” mean?
A nose that is curved or has a prominent, hook-like shape at the bridge or tip.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nose that is curved or has a prominent, hook-like shape at the bridge or tip.
A person who has such a nose (often used as a nickname or descriptive term).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is understood but rarely used in formal contexts in both varieties.
Connotations
In both regions, it can be perceived as insensitive or offensive when applied to a person, more so than a simple physical description.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both British and American English. More common in historical or literary descriptions.
Grammar
How to Use “hooknose” in a Sentence
[Person/He/She] has a hooknose.[The] hooknose [of the character] was exaggerated in the cartoon.They called him Hooknose.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hooknose” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a distinct hook-nosed profile.
- The hook-nosed figure in the painting.
American English
- He had a distinct hook-nosed profile.
- The hook-nosed figure in the novel.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare; potentially used in descriptive anthropology, historical character analysis, or literature studies with caution.
Everyday
Rare and potentially offensive. Safer to use neutral terms like 'aquiline nose' if description is necessary.
Technical
Not used in technical medical (rhinology) contexts; specific anatomical terms are preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hooknose”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hooknose”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hooknose”
- Using it as a neutral, harmless descriptor for a person. Hyphenating incorrectly (it is typically one word or hyphenated as 'hook-nose').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially when used to describe a person directly. It has been used in derogatory stereotypes. It's safer to use more neutral terms like 'aquiline nose' or 'prominent nose'.
'Aquiline nose' (like an eagle's beak) is a more formal, neutral, and often positive term for a curved, prominent nose. 'Hooknose' is a blunter, more informal term that can imply a sharper, more exaggerated curve and may carry negative connotations.
Yes, but it is usually hyphenated as 'hook-nosed' (e.g., 'a hook-nosed man').
It is most commonly found as one word ('hooknose') or hyphenated ('hook-nose'), especially when used as a noun. The adjectival form is 'hook-nosed'.
A nose that is curved or has a prominent, hook-like shape at the bridge or tip.
Hooknose is usually descriptive, sometimes derogatory/offensive when referring to a person. in register.
Hooknose: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʊk.nəʊz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʊk.noʊz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"Old Hooknose" (historical nickname for Richard III).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pirate's hook, but on his face instead of his hand – a 'hooknose'.
Conceptual Metaphor
NOSE IS A CURVED TOOL/WEAPON (a hook, a beak).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'hooknose' most likely to be considered acceptable?