noun / verb
snort
SNORT/snɔːrt/
A harsh sound made through the nose, or making this sound.
The horse snorts and shakes its head as we approach.
Etymology
Middle English snorten described heavy breathing or harshly expelling air through the nose, including the sound of a horse. It is probably related to snore or, like it, imitates the sound made.
In context
If your horse used to snort around you, that easy rolling exhale and then one day it stops, don't assume it's nothing.
More examples
- She lets out a snort of laughter at his joke.
- He snorted in disgust when he heard the price.
- The pig roots through the leaves, snorting loudly.
Forms
snort · snorts · snorted · snorting
Similar words
- sniff
- Draws air inward through the nose, usually more quietly.
- snuffle
- Suggests repeated noisy nasal breathing rather than one harsh burst.