Nosing: meaning, definitions and examples

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nosing

 

[ ˈnoʊ.zɪŋ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

dog behavior

Nosing is a behavior typically associated with dogs where they use their noses to explore their environment. This action can involve sniffing at various objects, people, or other animals. It's a natural instinct that allows dogs to gather information about their surroundings, akin to how humans use their sense of sight. Nosing can also refer to a gentle probing or nudging action with the nose, often seen in affectionate interactions between dogs and their owners.

Synonyms

nuzzling, probing, sniffing

Examples of usage

  • The dog was nosing around the yard, trying to find buried treasures.
  • She gently nosed her puppy to encourage him to play.
  • His dog was nosing at the door, eager to go outside.
  • The cat responded by nosing the dog's face affectionately.
Context #2 | Verb

curiosity

Nosing can also denote an inquisitive behavior in humans, where an individual investigates or pries into something with interest. This term may reflect both a literal and metaphorical exploration. People might 'nose' around a situation when they are trying to gather information or learn more about a topic. This form of nosing can sometimes be perceived as intrusive.

Synonyms

inquisitive, prying, snooping

Examples of usage

  • He was nosing around her desk, looking for clues about the project.
  • She caught him nosing into her personal affairs.
  • Nosing into other people's business can lead to misunderstandings.
  • The detective was nosing around the crime scene for evidence.

Translations

Translations of the word "nosing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 olfato

🇮🇳 नाक

🇩🇪 schnüffeln

🇮🇩 mencium

🇺🇦 нюхання

🇵🇱 węszenie

🇯🇵 嗅ぐ

🇫🇷 renifler

🇪🇸 olfatear

🇹🇷 koklamak

🇰🇷 냄새 맡다

🇸🇦 شَمّ

🇨🇿 čichání

🇸🇰 čuchanie

🇨🇳 

🇸🇮 voh

🇮🇸 lyktast

🇰🇿 иіс алу

🇬🇪 მოსმენა

🇦🇿 qoxuma

🇲🇽 olfatear

Etymology

The word 'nosing' is derived from the Old English word 'nosu', which means 'nose'. Its evolution reflects the natural association of the nose with exploration and interaction. Over time, the term has blended into modern speech, often to describe both animal and human behaviors involving curiosity and investigation. Initially, 'nosing' was closely linked to animal behavior, especially canines, which rely heavily on their sense of smell. As language evolved, it also found usage in human contexts, describing an inquisitive act. The extension of the term into colloquial usage has highlighted both its playful connotation when describing pets and its more serious implications when used in reference to human behavior. The concept of 'nosing around' gained popularity in the 20th century, indicating a shift in social norms regarding curiosity and privacy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,627, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.