snort

[ snawrt ]

verb (used without object)

1. (of animals) to force the breath violently through the nostrils with a loud, harsh sound:

   The spirited horse snorted and shied at the train.

2. (of persons) to express contempt, indignation, etc., by a similar sound.
3. Slang. to take a drug by inhaling.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snort.
2. to expel (air, sound, etc.) by or as by snorting.
3. Slang. to take (a drug) by inhaling:

   to snort cocaine.

noun

1. the act or sound of snorting.
2. Slang. a quick drink of liquor; shot.
3. Slang.
   1. an act or instance of taking a drug by inhalation.
   2. the amount of drug inhaled.
4. British. snorkel.

snort

/ snɔːt /

verb

1. intr to exhale forcibly through the nostrils, making a characteristic noise
2. intr (of a person) to express contempt or annoyance by such an exhalation
3. tr to utter in a contemptuous or annoyed manner
4. slang.
   to inhale (a powdered drug) through the nostrils

noun

1. a forcible exhalation of air through the nostrils, esp (of persons) as a noise of contempt or annoyance
2. slang.
   an instance of snorting a drug
3. slang.
   Also calledsnorter a short drink, esp an alcoholic one
4. slang.
   the snorkel on a submarine

Derived Forms

• ˈsnorting, nounadjective
• ˈsnortingly, adverb

Other Words From

• snorting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

1325–75; Middle English snorten (v.); probably akin to snore

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

C14 snorten; probably related to snoren to snore

Example Sentences

Chronic snorers don’t usually realize when they sound like they’re sawing logs unless they do a big snort.

From Popular-Science

This cuts how many snorts she’ll need to pull in drinking water or the moisture she uses to hose herself down.

From Science News For Students

Sylvia began snort-laughing so uncontrollably that the roll became lodged in her throat.

From The Daily Beast

He contrasted his vices with those of other congressmen who drank or “snort coke or chase women.”

From The Daily Beast

But when he tried to snort the cocaine off a business card, he blew the wrong way and knocked the powder off the card.

From The Daily Beast

Even today, there are those who will snort at the suggestion of Wayne having been any kind of conscious artist.

From The Daily Beast

In addition, risks for hepatitis C include sharing straws (or rolled dollar bills) to snort cocaine or receiving a tattoo.

From The Daily Beast

We squatted in the long grass and buck-brush, listening, and a few seconds later heard a horse snort distinctly.

From Project Gutenberg

"Then he neglects his duties, that's all," replied the old gentleman with an indignant snort.

From Project Gutenberg

To the left of us a horse snorted nervously; we heard him trot with high, springy strides to the end of his rope, and snort again.

From Project Gutenberg

"Why, you—" Mandleco gave a snort of anger and started forward, but Beardsley managed to forestall him.

From Project Gutenberg

After they had passed, a lull fell on the scene, which was soon broken by the grunt and snort of a rhinoceros.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• grunt