nose ring

American  

noun

nose rings plural

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

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

---

nose ring British  

noun

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

---

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• nose rings
  plural

Etymology

Origin of nose ring

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

“We’ve been a party for over 50 years and we’ve never gotten a single federal candidate elected,” said Weir, who describes himself as a “punk/alternative guy” with tattoos and a nose ring.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

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 • Sep. 16, 2023

In the Black Magic Comedy Club, a woman with a nose ring floated up to Elite.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

With her boots, nose ring and army-green pants, she easily blends in to the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 15, 2022

It was an older woman with a nose ring, like my mother’s.

From "Amal Unbound" by Aisha Saeed