nose ring

American  

noun

1. a ring inserted in the nose of an animal, to facilitate leading it.

2. a ring worn as an ornament in the nose.

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nose ring British  

noun

1. a ring fixed through the nose, as for leading a bull

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Etymology

Origin of nose ring

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

The young programmer—sporting dreadlocks and a nose ring at the time—was one of Twitter’s co-founders and served as its CEO until 2008, when he was pushed out amid concerns he was distracted by his hobbies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Reyes, who has a bee-sized tattoo below his eye and a nose ring, nods respectfully.

From Salon • Nov. 9, 2022

In the Black Magic Comedy Club, a woman with a nose ring floated up to Elite.

From New York Times • Oct. 7, 2022

With a nose ring, tongue piercing and arm tattoo that reads “Rebel,” she was the first to admit: “I’m not your typical Arab or Emirati.”

From Seattle Times • May 29, 2022

Zane, a senior with a nose ring, gets on the bus.

From "On the Come Up" by Angie Thomas