snort
Americanverb (used without object)
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(of animals) to force the breath violently through the nostrils with a loud, harsh sound.
The spirited horse snorted and shied at the train.
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(of persons) to express contempt, indignation, etc., by a similar sound.
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Slang. to take a drug by inhaling.
verb (used with object)
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to utter with a snort.
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to expel (air, sound, etc.) by or as by snorting.
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Slang. to take (a drug) by inhaling.
to snort cocaine.
noun
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the act or sound of snorting.
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Slang. a quick drink of liquor; shot.
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Slang.
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an act or instance of taking a drug by inhalation.
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the amount of drug inhaled.
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British. snorkel.
verb
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(intr) to exhale forcibly through the nostrils, making a characteristic noise
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(intr) (of a person) to express contempt or annoyance by such an exhalation
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(tr) to utter in a contemptuous or annoyed manner
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slang to inhale (a powdered drug) through the nostrils
noun
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a forcible exhalation of air through the nostrils, esp (of persons) as a noise of contempt or annoyance
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slang an instance of snorting a drug
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Also called: snorter. slang a short drink, esp an alcoholic one
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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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
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
“Instead …” Luke adds with a snort, as the rest of the sentence slides into the abyss, taking Tim’s ego with it.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 29, 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
She unfolded the note and let out a single snort of laughter.
From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
