snort

American  

[snawrt] / snɔrt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

• snorting noun
• snortingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of snort

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

Example Sentences

I hear a snort and a snicker behind me.

From Literature

Even the horses tossed their heads and snorted in distaste.

From Literature

With a skeptical snort, Lady Constance squeezed her eyes shut, whereupon she brightened immediately.

From Literature

Cassiopeia snorted as if her governess had made a hilarious joke.

From Literature

According to Mrs. Clarke, the encounter could only be described as toreadorical: the outright threats and faked retreats, the defiant swirl of Lady Constance’s red skirts, the snorting, stamping protest of Lord Fredrick.

From Literature

Related Words

• grunt