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.

---

nose ring British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of nose ring

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The guy with the nose ring who decides goats, chickens, pigs and other livestock belong in his grandmother’s yard in suburban Indiana, to the despair of the genteel retirees across the street.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 12, 2026

Reyes, who has a bee-sized tattoo below his eye and a nose ring, nods respectfully.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2022

She was last seen wearing a black tank top, Dickies pants and piercings and jewelry including a nose ring.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2022

With a nose ring, tongue piercing and arm tattoo that reads “Rebel,” she was the first to admit: “I’m not your typical Arab or Emirati.”

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2022

Anjali grinned and her nose ring caught the light.

From "The Way to Rio Luna" by Zoraida Cordova