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.

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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

Words nearby snorkel

snooty, snooze, snoozefest, snoqualmie falls, snore, snorkel, snorkeling, snorri sturluson, snort, snorter, snot
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for snorkel

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