Showing results for "nosing"

• present participle of nose.

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nosing

It has returned 15.8% a year over the past decade, nosing out the benchmark index, which has returned 15.6%, through May 8.

From Barron's ● May 13, 2026

After a laborious setup of some 40 minutes, Blanc finally starts nosing around the scene.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 27, 2025

It’s funny, then, that the people nosing their way past the lines Allen draws and into her personal life are the same ones hoping for Harbour and Allen to be symbols of morality.

From Salon ● Oct. 29, 2025

Then there are four slightly older puppies, pit bull mixes probably, whose eyes are still tightly shut, futilely nosing around the crate for their mother who never made it to the shelter.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2023

The mainsail and jib were both still luffing, but he grabbed the mainsheet and pulled the sail in until it filled, and the Frog responded almost instantly by nosing forward.

From "The Voyage Of The Frog" by Gary Paulsen

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