nasal

¹ American  

[nay-zuhl] / ˈneɪ zəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the nose.

   the nasal cavity.

2. Phonetics. pronounced with the voice issuing through the nose, either partly, as in French nasal vowels, or entirely (as in m, n, or the ng ofsong ).

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noun

1. Phonetics. a nasal speech sound.

nasal ² American  

[nay-zuhl] / ˈneɪ zəl /

noun

Armor.

1. a bar or narrow plate used with an open helmet as a defense for the nose.

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nasal British  

/ ˈneɪzəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to the nose

2. phonetics pronounced with the soft palate lowered allowing air to escape via the nasal cavity instead of or as well as through the mouth

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noun

1. a nasal speech sound, such as English m, n, or ng

2. another word for nosepiece

nasal Scientific  

/ nā′zəl /

1. Relating to or involving the nose.

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Other Word Forms

• nasalism
  noun
• nasality
  noun
• seminasality
  noun
• nasally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of nasal¹

1375–1425; late Middle English (adj.) < Medieval Latin *nāsālis, equivalent to Latin nās ( us ) nose + -ālis -al ¹

Origin of nasal²

First recorded in 1470–80; late Middle English, from Medieval Latin nāsāle, noun use of neuter of nāsālis (unattested) nasal ¹ ( def. ); replacing Middle English nasel, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, as above

Explanation

Anything nasal relates to the nose, including a nasal voice that you can make by pinching your nose. Just as optical things relate to the eyes, nasal things relate to the nose. Your nostrils lead to your nasal passages, and if your septum (the middle part of your nose) needed to be repaired, it would require nasal surgery. Also, this word is commonly used to describe a kind of exaggerated, wheezy tone of voice that you can imitate by pinching your nose. Some people's voices are naturally nasal, like the singer Bob Dylan.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nasal

For most, he said, the standard flu shot suffices, though he noted there are other options, including a nasal spray version — great for almost anyone with a fear of needles — and higher-dosage shots.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

An expert might suggest treating nasal obstruction or allergies, if this is what is causing snoring, or wearing a custom mouthguard to gently push the lower jaw forward and keep the airway open.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

Children, from the age of two upwards, get a nasal spray version, while adults have an injection.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

While Mr. Richman’s vocals retained punk’s nasal, monochromatic tone, his songs were dorky and witty, channeling Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and Freddie and the Dreamers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 22, 2026

His nasal voice annoyed Ugwu, or perhaps it was simply that Professor Lehman had the same fair hair as Mr. Richard but none of the quiet dignity.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie