1
: either of the external nares
broadly
: either of the nares with the adjoining passage on the same side of the septum
2
: either fleshy lateral wall of the nose
Examples of nostril in a Sentence
My left nostril is stuffed up.
She left in a rage, her nostrils flaring.
Recent Examples on the Web
The few recognizable features of a human face—blue eyes, nostrils, those same red lips—appear refracted through a vase of flowers.
—
Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025
There was no external indication of it at all; her nostrils looked even from the outside.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 28 May 2025
And don't forget to grab a baby nasal aspirator to help clear tiny nostrils.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 28 May 2025
Alternate nostril breathing is extremely helpful in those stressful moments, too.
—Lidija Globokar, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nostril
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Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 June 2025
There was no external indication of it at all; her nostrils looked even from the outside.
—Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 28 May 2025
And don't forget to grab a baby nasal aspirator to help clear tiny nostrils.
—Anja Webb, Parents, 28 May 2025
Alternate nostril breathing is extremely helpful in those stressful moments, too.
—Lidija Globokar, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for nostril
Cite this Entry
“Nostril.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nostril. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
nostril
noun
nos·tril
ˈnäs-trəl 
: either of the outer openings of the nose through which one breathes
also
: either fleshy wall forming a side of the nose
Medical Definition
nostril
noun
nos·tril
ˈnäs-trəl
1
: either of the external nares
broadly
: either of the nares with the adjoining passage on the same side of the nasal septum
2
: either fleshy lateral wall of the nose
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