Snout Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
snout
[snaสt ]
Definitions
animal anatomy
The projecting nose and mouth of an animal, especially a mammal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snout |
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.
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| nose |
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.
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| muzzle |
Refers to the projecting part of the face, including the nose and mouth, of an animal such as a dog or horse. Itโs also a device placed over this part to prevent biting or eating. It can also metaphorically mean to silence someone.
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| proboscis |
Primarily used in scientific or formal contexts to describe the long, flexible snout or trunk of certain animals like elephants or insects like butterflies.
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Examples of usage
- The dog's snout was wet from sniffing around in the grass.
- The pig used its snout to dig in the mud for food.
informal
A person's nose, especially when it is large, fat, or pointed.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snout |
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.
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| nose |
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.
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| schnoz |
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.
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| beak |
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.
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Examples of usage
- His snout twitched as he smelled the delicious aroma of the food.
- She had a cute little snub snout.
slang
To pry or meddle in someone else's business.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| snout |
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.
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| meddle |
Typically used in a negative context when someone tries to influence or involve themselves in something that is not their concern, often causing problems.
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| snoop |
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.
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| interfere |
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.
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Examples of usage
- Stop snouting around in my personal affairs!
- He's always snouting into things that don't concern him.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Zoology
- Many animals, such as pigs and dogs, have snouts that are highly developed for their sense of smell, allowing them to detect food or danger.
- Some species, like the tapir, have extended snouts that serve as versatile tools for foraging and manipulation.
Cultural Significance
- In cartoons, characters with exaggerated snouts often represent humor or clumsiness, making them memorable and relatable.
- The phrase 'snout to the grindstone' refers to hard work, often implying the diligence of animals like pigs and their digging behavior.
Veterinary Science
- Veterinarians pay special attention to an animal's snout, as changes in its appearance can indicate health issues.
- Snouts can vary significantly in size and shape between breeds, such as the flat-faced snouts of bulldogs compared to the long snouts of Greyhounds.
Popular Culture
- In the popular childrenโs book, 'Snout,' a character goes on adventures using his keen sense of smell to solve problems.
- Animated movies often feature animal characters with charming snouts that enhance their personalities and appeal to audiences.
Origin of 'snout'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'snout' comes from the Old English 'sniรฐ,' which means 'to cut,' referring to how the nose is shaped like a projection.
- In different languages, 'snout' translates to various words, often tied to the shape of the nose or muzzle of animals.
The word 'snout' originated in Middle English, from the Old English word 'snลซt', which referred to the projecting part of an animal's face. Over time, the term evolved to include informal references to a person's nose. The usage of 'snout' as a verb to describe prying or meddling in someone's affairs emerged as slang in the 20th century.