snorkel

[ snawr-kuh l ]

/ ˈsnɔr kəl /

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.

Words nearby snorkel

snooty, snooze, snoozefest, snoqualmie falls, snore, snorkel, snorkeling, snorri sturluson, snort, snorter, snot

Origin of snorkel

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

OTHER WORDS FROM snorkel

snor·kel·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Examples from the Web for 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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST
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|DAILY BEAST

He swam with face mask under, breathing through his snorkel and letting the camera hang.
The Wailing Octopus|Harold Leland Goodwin
Rick led the way down the pier to the beach, carrying his mask, snorkel, and slippers.
The Wailing Octopus|Harold Leland Goodwin
She put the snorkel mouthpiece in place, but did not bother to attach the rubber strap to her head.
The Electronic Mind Reader|John Blaine
The snorkel was all right, since no fit was involved, but the fins were ludicrous on her small feet.
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

British Dictionary definitions for snorkel

snorkel

/ (ˈsnɔːkəl) /

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