nosing

American  

[noh-zing] / ˈnoʊ zɪŋ /

noun

Architecture.

1. a projecting edge, as the part of the tread of a step extending beyond the riser or a projecting part of a buttress.

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nosing British  

/ ˈnəʊzɪŋ /

noun

1. the edge of a step or stair tread that projects beyond the riser

2. a projecting edge of a moulding, esp one that is half-round

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Etymology

Origin of nosing

First recorded in 1765–75; nose + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Sonny, the star Portuguese water dog, went nosing around for a girlfriend when he was supposed to be attending to press obligations in the Long Island living room of his professional dog-show handler, Kimberly Calvacca.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

Bears, who can weigh up to half a ton and outrun humans, have been breaking into homes looking for food, nosing around schools and rampaging through supermarkets.

From Barron's • Dec. 26, 2025

“Waiting on the End of the World” is the standout of the three choices, nosing ahead because there’s a great guitar line that winds through and both grounds and elevates the song.

From Salon • Jul. 8, 2025

She was out shopping recently when a store employee told her she had seen an immigration agent nosing around the neighborhood.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2025

Wolf was nosing about in the back of the cave, and Renn was sorting herbs in her lap.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver