snort

[snawrt]

verb (used without object)

1. (of animals) to force the breath violently through the nostrils with a loud, harsh sound.

   The spirited horse snorted and shied at the train.

2. (of persons) to express contempt, indignation, etc., by a similar sound.

3. Slang.,  to take a drug by inhaling.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snort.

2. to expel (air, sound, etc.) by or as by snorting.

3. Slang.,  to take (a drug) by inhaling.

   to snort cocaine.

noun

1. the act or sound of snorting.

2. Slang.,  a quick drink of liquor; shot.

3. Slang.

   1. an act or instance of taking a drug by inhalation.

   2. the amount of drug inhaled.

4. British.,  snorkel.

snort

/ snɔːt /

verb

1. (intr) to exhale forcibly through the nostrils, making a characteristic noise

2. (intr) (of a person) to express contempt or annoyance by such an exhalation

3. (tr) to utter in a contemptuous or annoyed manner

4. slang,  to inhale (a powdered drug) through the nostrils

noun

1. a forcible exhalation of air through the nostrils, esp (of persons) as a noise of contempt or annoyance

2. slang,  an instance of snorting a drug

3. Also called: snorter. slang,  a short drink, esp an alcoholic one

4. slang,  the snorkel on a submarine

Other Word Forms

• snortingly adverb
• snorting noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

1325–75; Middle English snorten (v.); probably akin to snore

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

C14 snorten; probably related to snoren to _snore

Example Sentences

The Angels lawyers will tell the jury that taking opioids prescribed by a physician during recovery from surgery is vastly different than Skaggs chopping up and snorting counterfeit pills that were not prescribed for him.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The writer Jia Tolentino characterized it as “what a ballerina might do if you concussed her and then made her snort caffeine pills.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Patel’s opening statement was punctuated by a series of snorts so loud that it seemed he might soon eject a noodle from his sinus cavity.

Read more on Salon

I don’t recall which gossip rag was handling the story, but the audible snort from the black woman in line behind me was unforgettable.

Read more on Salon

The bull ran by, close enough for the family to hear his snorts and see his body heave with breath.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grunt