nose ring

American  

noun

1. a ring inserted in the nose of an animal, to facilitate leading it.

2. a ring worn as an ornament in the nose.

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nose ring British  

noun

1. a ring fixed through the nose, as for leading a bull

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Etymology

Origin of nose ring

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

“Never have I seen four cows more anxious to be led around by their nose rings,” Albini famously wrote after recording the debut album by this seminal alt-rock quartet.

From Los Angeles Times

Straight-edge 20-somethings, with nose rings and decorative tooth gems, mingled with middle-aged “basics” in jeans and unisex button-down shirts outside the store.

From Los Angeles Times

Frank couldn’t tell for sure, but it looked like the nose ring might be shaped like a skull.

From Literature

Whether it's music, when I started wearing pants or getting a nose ring or those types of things, really being forced to think about them.

From Salon

I have to go digging, shoveling and leveling fields in the underworld, all without my nose rings.

From Scientific American