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

Explanation

A snort is a sound you make by suddenly exhaling through your nose, especially if you're disgusted by something. Your response to your little brother's tempter tantrum might be a disdainful snort. You can use the word snort as a noun or a verb — students might find it hard not to snort when they're listening to a boring and endless lecture by their vice principal. You and your friends may also snort with contempt when you're watching a really bad movie. In the fourteenth century, to snort meant to snore — it wasn't until the 1800's that snort came to mean "verbally express contempt."

Example Sentences

With the afternoon sun beating down while the cows snort and moo, the workers inspect and clean the animals' teats, which are then attached to milking equipment.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

“I fail to see why modesty is considered a virtue,” he says with a snort.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 11, 2025

As he reentered the courtroom on Tuesday, Eric Trump noticed Conway and gave a dismissive smirk and a snort.

From Slate • May 1, 2024

Sarai let out a muffled snort at the idea of Kem writing a poem.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• grunt