nostril
B2Neutral to Formal (Everyday use is neutral; anatomical use is formal).
Definition
Meaning
Either of the two external openings of the nose through which one breathes and smells.
Can refer to an entrance or vent of a similar shape, or metaphorically to the source of breath or life.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A countable noun. Used primarily for humans and animals. No plural irregularity. The term is transparently anatomical and has little inherent connotation, though metaphorical use can be poetic or archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic or usage differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical. Both perceive it as a standard, neutral anatomical term.
Frequency
Identical frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
verb + nostril (flare, pinch, block, pierce)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Flare one's nostrils (to show anger or excitement)”
- “To the nostrils (archaic: to a great degree, e.g., 'stank to the nostrils')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. May appear in specific contexts like medical equipment or cosmetics (e.g., 'nostril dilators').
Academic
Common in biological, anatomical, and medical texts (e.g., 'The specimen showed dilation of the nostrils.').
Everyday
Common for describing colds, breathing, or appearances (e.g., 'My left nostril is blocked.').
Technical
Standard term in medicine, zoology, and physiology. The formal plural 'nares' is often used in technical writing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- (Non-standard/rare) 'nostril piercing' (compound noun)
- (Non-standard/rare) 'nostril hair' (compound noun)
American English
- (Non-standard/rare) 'nostril dilator' (compound noun)
- (Non-standard/rare) 'nostril spray' (compound noun)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I breathe through my nose and nostrils.
- He has a ring in his nostril.
- When I have a cold, one nostril is often blocked.
- The horse flared its nostrils as it ran.
- The doctor examined the patient's nostrils for signs of irritation.
- She felt a sharp pain in her right nostril.
- The artist captured the subtle flare of the subject's nostrils, suggesting restrained emotion.
- Airflow resistance was measured separately for each nostril in the study.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'nose thrill' – the thrill of a smell entering your NOSE through the NOSTRIL.
Conceptual Metaphor
An opening or gateway (e.g., 'the nostrils of the volcano').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'ноздря' (perfect match, no trap). Just be aware 'ноздря' is singular, 'ноздри' is plural – identical to English 'nostril'/'nostrils'.
Common Mistakes
- Using as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I have nostril' instead of 'a nostril' or 'nostrils').
- Misspelling as 'nosetrill' or 'nostrel'.
- Using 'nostril' as a verb (non-standard).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct technical/formal term for 'nostrils'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a standard, neutral word. It is appropriate in both everyday and formal/anatomical contexts.
The plural is 'nostrils'. There is no irregularity.
Yes. The 'nose' is the entire protruding organ. The 'nostrils' are specifically the two external openings at the base of the nose.
No, 'nostril' is exclusively a noun. You cannot 'nostril' something. Related actions use verbs like 'flare', 'pinch', or 'breathe through'.