Nosing: meaning, definitions and examples

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nosing

 

[ˈnoʊ.zɪŋ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'nosing' originates from the Middle English word 'nose', derived from the Old French 'nôs', which means to smell.
  • This word has been associated with the idea of using one's nose for exploration since the early 19th century.

Animal Behavior

  • Many animals, especially mammals, have an acute sense of smell that they use to 'nose' out food, mates, and danger.
  • Dogs are known for their incredible olfactory abilities, which make them expert 'nosing' companions in search and rescue missions.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, 'nosing around' often implies a detective or investigator looking for clues, like in mystery novels.
  • Various films and TV shows depict characters 'nosing about' to uncover secrets or meet new people in comedic or dramatic ways.

Psychology

  • Nosing can also refer to curiosity, an innate human trait that drives exploration and learning about the world around us.
  • The act of 'nosing' symbolizes deeper cognitive processes where one's senses work together to investigate the environment.

Science

  • In biology, 'nosing' refers to how certain animals use their sense of smell to communicate and find food.
  • Several plants emit scents that attract pollinators, leading to a natural example of how 'nosing' supports reproduction in nature.

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

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.