snort

[ snawrt ]

verb (used without object)

1. (of animals) to force the breath violently through the nostrils with a loud, harsh sound:

   The spirited horse snorted and shied at the train.

2. (of persons) to express contempt, indignation, etc., by a similar sound.
3. Slang. to take a drug by inhaling.

verb (used with object)

1. to utter with a snort.
2. to expel (air, sound, etc.) by or as by snorting.
3. Slang. to take (a drug) by inhaling:

   to snort cocaine.

noun

1. the act or sound of snorting.
2. Slang. a quick drink of liquor; shot.
3. Slang.
   1. an act or instance of taking a drug by inhalation.
   2. the amount of drug inhaled.
4. British. snorkel.

snort

/ snɔːt /

verb

1. intr to exhale forcibly through the nostrils, making a characteristic noise
2. intr (of a person) to express contempt or annoyance by such an exhalation
3. tr to utter in a contemptuous or annoyed manner
4. slang.
   to inhale (a powdered drug) through the nostrils

noun

1. a forcible exhalation of air through the nostrils, esp (of persons) as a noise of contempt or annoyance
2. slang.
   an instance of snorting a drug
3. slang.
   Also calledsnorter a short drink, esp an alcoholic one
4. slang.
   the snorkel on a submarine

Derived Forms

• ˈsnortingly, adverb
• ˈsnorting, nounadjective

Other Words From

• snorting·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

1325–75; Middle English snorten (v.); probably akin to snore

Word History and Origins

Origin of snort¹

C14 snorten; probably related to snoren to snore

Example Sentences

I’m too startled by his snort to respond.

From Los Angeles Times

As I was thinking, Did he just snort?, he said, “Great, I snorted. So much for first impressions.”

From Los Angeles Times

Experts have said some people also snort or inject ketamine recreationally to experience euphoric or “dissociative” effects that cause the users to feel separated from their own body.

From Los Angeles Times

Young described how one doctor "snorted" when she suggested she might have fibromyalgia, before she was finally diagnosed.

From BBC

I came out in the late 1970s, drinking, snorting and tumbling into bed with sweaty strangers after nights of dancing to Donna, Thelma and Grace.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grunt