snorkel

[ snawr-kuhl ]

/ ˈsnɔr kəl /

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See synonyms for: snorkeling on Thesaurus.com

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

snooze, snoozefest, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Falls, snore, snorkel, snorkeling, Snorri Sturluson, snort, snorter, snot

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use snorkel in a sentence

If you’ve tried a traditional mask and it makes you slightly uncomfortable, consider grabbing the best full face snorkel mask.
The best full face snorkel mask for all your aquatic adventures|Florie Korani|July 26, 2021|Popular-Science
If you’ve never used a full-face snorkel before, you may not know what to look for or how to prioritize the fit and features you’ll need to have the best experience possible in the water.
The best full face snorkel mask for all your aquatic adventures|Florie Korani|July 26, 2021|Popular-Science
So gear up for some wonderful aquatic adventures with the best full-face snorkel mask.
The best full face snorkel mask for all your aquatic adventures|Florie Korani|July 26, 2021|Popular-Science
Whether you’re about to explore the depths for the very first time or you’re a frequent ocean adventurer, a great snorkel mask can make the difference between an exciting dive or foundering.
The best full face snorkel mask for all your aquatic adventures|Florie Korani|July 26, 2021|Popular-Science

Channel Islands Adventure Company also leads beginner-friendly snorkel tours at Scorpion Anchorage, where you’ll marvel at sunlit kelp forests brimming with sea life, including the neon orange garibaldi, California’s state marine fish.
The Ultimate Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide|Shawnté Salabert|June 23, 2021|Outside Online
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
Help paddle an outrigger canoe in through the surf, take a surfing lesson, snorkel, swim or sun.
Oahu Traveler's guide|Bill Gleasner
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
Clear your mask and snorkel, then come back to shore with full gear on and operating.
The Electronic Mind Reader|John Blaine
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
Rick led the way down the pier to the beach, carrying his mask, snorkel, and slippers.
The Wailing Octopus|Harold Leland Goodwin

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