nostril

American  

[nos-truhl] / ˈnɒs trəl /

noun

1. either of the two external openings of the nose.

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nostril British  

/ ˈnɒstrɪl /

noun

1. either of the two external openings of the nose

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Etymology

Origin of nostril

before 1000; Middle English nostrill, Old English nosterl, variant of nosthyrl, equivalent to nos ( u ) nose + thyrel hole; thirl

Explanation

A nostril is one of the two holes in your nose through which you breathe, smell, and (sometimes) sneeze. Try not to get anything stuck in your nostrils; they're important passageways! Your nostrils are extremely important, since they provide a direct connection to your lungs — for air — and your olfactory nerves, which your body uses to smell things. You are almost certainly aware of your two external nostrils, but you may not know that you've got two more, inside your head at the very back of the nasal cavity. Most animals have nostrils, even fish — though they use theirs only for smelling, not for breathing. Fittingly, the Old English source of nostril, nosðirl, translates to "the hole of the nose."

Example Sentences

Scientists say the strangest detail is a prong-like bone near its nostril.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

She flaunted a flaming red streak in her long dark hair, a golden ring in her right nostril, and both her arms swarmed with jet black tattoos.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2024

They introduced these virus suspensions drop-by-drop into each nostril of the piglets and monitored them for 5 days to see whether they displayed any symptoms, including changes in body temperature.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2024

Users fill them with a saline solution, then pour the liquid in one nostril.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 13, 2024

He touched the crumpled nostril, traced the scar that gouged across his cheek.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros