snorkel

[snawr-kuh l]

noun

Also called, British, snort. a device permitting a submarine to remain submerged for prolonged periods, consisting of tubes extended above the surface of the water to take in air for the diesel engine and for general ventilation and to discharge exhaust gases and foul air.

a hard rubber or plastic tube through which a swimmer can breathe while moving face down at or just below the surface of the water.

verb (used without object)

to engage in snorkeling.

Origin of snorkel

First recorded in 1940–45, snorkel is from the German word Schnorchel air intake

Related formssnor·kel·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for snorkel

Contemporary Examples of snorkel

At the Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean, you can snorkel with a retired Asian elephant Rajan.
The World’s Craziest Underwater Adventures
Nina Strochlic
May 14, 2014
Accompanied by a guide, viewers can snorkel or scuba dive to the sculptures for an up-close look.
Artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s Underwater Sculptures Are a Sight to Sea
Justin Jones
April 7, 2014
We put on flippers to snorkel and recognize turtles and fish from Finding Nemo.
One First-Timer’s Adventures in Culebra and Puerto Rico
Kara Cutruzzula
March 14, 2013
Our Xolo, Snorkel Louise, has had a difficult time expressing her peerless beauty.
In Praise of the Mexican Hairless Dog
Noah Kristula-Green
February 14, 2012

Historical Examples of snorkel

It was easy to agree on the type of face mask, snorkel, and fins.
The Electronic Mind Reader
John Blaine
The snorkel emerged and she blew it clear, then swam to the beach.
The Electronic Mind Reader
John Blaine
Rick led the way down the pier to the beach, carrying his mask, snorkel, and slippers.
The Wailing Octopus
Harold Leland Goodwin
He gripped the mouthpiece of his snorkel between his teeth, the rubber flange under his lips, and slid into the water.
The Wailing Octopus
Harold Leland Goodwin
Scotty pulled his mask into place and molded it to his face, then gripped his snorkel between his teeth.
The Wailing Octopus
Harold Leland Goodwin

British Dictionary definitions for snorkel

snorkel

noun

a device allowing a swimmer to breathe while face down on the surface of the water, consisting of a bent tube fitting into the mouth and projecting above the surface

(on a submarine) a retractable vertical device containing air-intake and exhaust pipes for the engines and general ventilation: its use permits extended periods of submergence at periscope depth

military a similar device on a tank, enabling it to cross shallow water obstacles

a type of parka or anorak with a hood that projects beyond the face

verb -kels, -kelling or -kelled or US -kels, -keling or -keled

(intr) to swim with a snorkel

Word Origin for snorkel

C20: from German Schnorchel; related to German schnarchen to snore

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for snorkel

1944, "airshaft for submarines," from German Schnorchel, from German navy slang Schnorchel "nose, snout," related to schnarchen "to snore" (see snore (n.)). So called from its resemblance to a nose and its noise when in use. The anglicized spelling first recorded 1949. The meaning "curved tube used by a swimmer to breathe under water" is first recorded 1951.