snorkel

American  

[snawr-kuhl] / ˈsnɔr kəl /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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)

1. to engage in snorkeling.

snorkel British  

/ ˈsnɔːkəl /

noun

1. 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

2. (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

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

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

---

verb

1. (intr) to swim with a snorkel

Other Word Forms

• snorkeler noun

Etymology

Origin of snorkel

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

Example Sentences

Passengers aboard were transported by tenders to the secluded island – home to a luxury resort and a research station - for a day trip with the option of hiking or snorkelling.

From BBC

Passengers on board - who typically pay tens of thousands of dollars to join the cruise - were transported there for a day trip with the option of hiking or snorkelling.

From BBC

Passengers, who pay tens of thousands of dollars to join the cruise, were transported to the exclusive island for a day trip with the option of hiking or snorkelling.

From BBC

Earlier in 2024, Essex County Council stressed it did not provide swimming equipment after a sign suggesting it would hand out flippers, masks and snorkels appeared at an underpass near the city centre.

From BBC

Equipped with a snorkel and flippers, the two-time cancer survivor, from Bath, previously hung up his flippers in 2023, but said the "bog bug" brought him back.

From BBC