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snorkel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Medium
UK/ˈsnɔː.kəl/US/ˈsnɔːr.kəl/

Neutral

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Quick answer

What does “snorkel” mean?

A short tube used for breathing while swimming face-down on the surface of water.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A short tube used for breathing while swimming face-down on the surface of water.

A device on submarines or military vehicles for taking in air while submerged; also, the activity of swimming with a snorkel.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling: British English uses 'snorkelling' with double L, while American English uses 'snorkeling' with single L. Pronunciation differs slightly due to rhoticity.

Connotations

Similar in both dialects, related to leisure, tourism, and water sports.

Frequency

Equally common in both dialects due to global prevalence of snorkeling activities.

Grammar

How to Use “snorkel” in a Sentence

snorkel in the oceansnorkel around the reef

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
snorkel masksnorkeling gear
medium
go snorkelingsnorkel tube
weak
rent a snorkelsnorkel adventure

Examples

Examples of “snorkel” in a Sentence

verb

British English

  • We plan to go snorkelling in the coral reefs next week.
  • He snorkels every summer in Greece.

American English

  • We plan to go snorkeling in the Florida Keys next week.
  • She snorkels every summer in California.

adjective

British English

  • She bought a new snorkelling mask for her trip.
  • The snorkelling excursion was cancelled due to weather.

American English

  • She bought a new snorkeling mask for her trip.
  • The snorkeling excursion was cancelled due to weather.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used; may appear in tourism marketing or equipment retail contexts.

Academic

Used in marine biology, sports science, or engineering discussions on underwater systems.

Everyday

Common in travel and leisure conversations, especially in coastal regions.

Technical

Referenced in diving manuals, military equipment descriptions, or submarine technology.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “snorkel”

Strong

snorkel tube

Neutral

breathing tubesnorkeling apparatus

Weak

diving gearswimming aid

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “snorkel”

scuba diving

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “snorkel”

  • Using 'snorkel' as a standalone verb without context, e.g., 'I snorkel' instead of 'I go snorkeling'.
  • Confusing 'snorkel' with 'scuba' for deep-water diving.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, snorkeling is done on the water's surface using a breathing tube, while scuba diving involves carrying air tanks for deeper underwater exploration.

Snorkels are designed for surface swimming; for deep water, scuba gear is required as snorkels do not provide air for submerged breathing.

In British English, it is pronounced /ˈsnɔː.kəl/, with a non-rhotic 'r'.

The essential equipment includes a mask, snorkel, and fins, though some may also use a wetsuit for warmth.

A short tube used for breathing while swimming face-down on the surface of water.

Snorkel is usually neutral in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “none”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'snore' + 'kel' – imagine snoring through a tube while floating in water.

Conceptual Metaphor

A gateway to underwater exploration, symbolizing surface-level access to hidden worlds.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
Before entering the water, make sure to adjust your for comfortable breathing.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of a snorkel?

snorkel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore