Snout: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly to describe the protruding nose and mouth of an animal, especially pigs. Informally, it can also refer to a human nose, often in a slightly derogatory way.

• The pig buried its snout in the ground, looking for food
• He had his snout in everybody's business

Commonly refers to the part of the face that detects smell and is used in both humans and animals. It is also used metaphorically to mean curiosity or involvement in something.

• She has a small, button nose
• The dog's nose is cold
• He always has his nose in a book

Refers to the projecting part of the face, including the nose and mouth, of an animal such as a dog or horse. It’s also a device placed over this part to prevent biting or eating. It can also metaphorically mean to silence someone.

• The dog's muzzle was soft and warm
• The vet put a muzzle on the dog for safety
• The government tried to muzzle the press

Primarily used in scientific or formal contexts to describe the long, flexible snout or trunk of certain animals like elephants or insects like butterflies.

• The elephant drank water using its long proboscis
• Some insects use their proboscis to suck nectar from flowers

Typically used to describe the projecting nose and mouth area of an animal, especially pigs. It can sometimes be used humorously when referring to people.

• The pig dug through the ground with its snout.
• He stuck his snout into everyone's business.

Describes the part of the face that detects smells and provides sense of smell in humans and animals. It's the most general and neutrally connotated term.

• She has a small nose.
• Dogs have a very sensitive nose.

A slang term for a large or prominent nose, often used in a humorous or playful manner. It can be used affectionately but may sometimes carry a mild negative connotation.

• He's got quite a schnoz on him!
• Watch where you're sticking that schnoz.

Refers to the hard, pointed mouthpart of birds. It can also be used colloquially to describe a sharp or large nose on a person, often humorously.

• The bird used its beak to break open the seed.
• He's got a beak like an eagle.

Used to describe the protruding nose and mouth of an animal, especially a pig. It can also be used informally to refer to a human nose, but rarely.

• The pig was digging in the mud with its snout.
• His snout was covered in freckles.

Typically used in a negative context when someone tries to influence or involve themselves in something that is not their concern, often causing problems.

• Stop meddling in other people's business.
• He tends to meddle in matters that don't concern him.

Used to describe secretive or sneaky behavior where someone tries to discover information about others, usually without permission. This word often carries a negative connotation.

• She got caught snooping through her roommate's drawers.
• The journalist was accused of snooping into the private lives of celebrities.

Used when someone gets involved in a situation where their involvement is not wanted or needed. The connotation can be either negative or neutral depending on the situation.

• Please don't interfere with my work.
• The referee had to step in to interfere and calm things down.