snorkel

American  

[snawr-kuhl] / ˈsnɔr kəl /

noun

1. British, snort.  a device permitting a submarine to remain submerged for prolonged periods, consisting of tubes extended above the surface of the water to take in air for the diesel engine and for general ventilation and to discharge exhaust gases and foul air.

2. a hard rubber or plastic tube through which a swimmer can breathe while moving face down at or just below the surface of the water.

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verb (used without object)

1. to engage in snorkeling.

snorkel British  

/ ˈsnɔːkəl /

noun

1. a device allowing a swimmer to breathe while face down on the surface of the water, consisting of a bent tube fitting into the mouth and projecting above the surface

2. (on a submarine) a retractable vertical device containing air-intake and exhaust pipes for the engines and general ventilation: its use permits extended periods of submergence at periscope depth

3. military a similar device on a tank, enabling it to cross shallow water obstacles

4. a type of parka or anorak with a hood that projects beyond the face

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verb

1. (intr) to swim with a snorkel

Other Word Forms

• snorkeler noun

Etymology

Origin of snorkel

First recorded in 1940–45, snorkel is from the German word Schnorchel air intake

Explanation

When you snorkel, you swim near the surface of the water while wearing a mask, fins, and a snorkel through which you can breathe. People like to snorkel in coral reefs, where they can see all kinds of ocean life. If you've ever taken a beach vacation, you may have had a chance to snorkel, which is similar to scuba diving except that you stay very close to the water's surface. When you snorkel, you swim slowly, watching for interesting fish and other sea creatures, and breathe through a tube that's also called a snorkel. The word was originally a nautical term for a submarine air shaft, from German navy slang, Schnorchel, or "snout."

Example Sentences

But don’t blindly book a snorkel cruise from a business or reserve that boutique hotel in the middle of nowhere without checking reviews.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 25, 2026

With no bogs nearby, Rutter says practising for the championships is somewhat difficult, but he always checks his snorkel isn't leaking and his flippers still fit.

From BBC • Aug. 25, 2025

Each summer in July, Greenberg helps organize an annual snorkel survey in which dozens of volunteers swim along the river and count the number of spring-run chinook salmon, as well as summer steelhead.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 4, 2024

Miu told investigators that he was using a snorkel and goggles to look for a lost cellphone.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 11, 2024

I live another ten minutes past that, on the hillside above a popular snorkel spot called Pūpūkea.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila