What does "snort" mean?
The sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose.
Snort
/snɔɹt/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose.
- Grammar: snort is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: air expulsion, assibilate, assibilation, bah.
- Useful contrasts: abstinence, acceptance, admire.
- Usage evidence: I don't like the sound the pigs make when they snort.
How to use "snort"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "snort" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "snort" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "snort" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "snort" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "snort" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "air expulsion" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "snort", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose.
""I absolutely refuse to leave, however, until we have made at least a superficial examination of this country, and are able to take back with us something in the nature of a chart." Professor Summerlee gave a snort of impatience."
- 2 a cry or noise made to express displeasure or contempt wordnet
- 3 A dose of snuff or other drug to be snorted. slang
- 4 a disrespectful laugh wordnet
- 5 A consumed portion of alcoholic drink. slang
"She unlocked the top drawer of the roll-top desk, took out a bottle and a glass and poured herself a snort."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A submarine snorkel. UK
Verb
- 1 To make a snort; to exhale roughly through the nose. intransitive
"She snorted with laughter."
- 2 make a snorting sound by exhaling hard wordnet
- 3 To express or force out by snorting. transitive
"He snorted a derisory reply and turned on his heel."
- 4 indicate contempt by breathing noisily and forcefully through the nose wordnet
- 5 To express contempt or disgust by (or as if by) a snorting sound. intransitive
"Back in 2018, the body representing the water industry was snorting at Gove’s aspersions, declaring hotly that it looked forward to its pet regulator “bringing some sorely needed facts and balance to the debate”."
Show 5 more definitions
- 6 inhale through the nose wordnet
- 7 To inhale (usually a drug) through the nose. slang, transitive
"to snort cocaine"
- 8 inhale recreational drugs wordnet
- 9 To snore. intransitive, obsolete
"the snorting citizens"
- 10 To sail at periscope depth through the use of a snort or snorkel. intransitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"I don't like the sound the pigs make when they snort."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "snort"?
Common synonyms include: air expulsion, assibilate, assibilation, bah, bark, bawl.
How do you use "snort" in a sentence?
I don't like the sound the pigs make when they snort.
How do you pronounce "snort"?
Pronounced /snɔɹt/.
Etymology
From Middle English snorten, from earlier fnorten, from Old English *fnorettan, related to Middle English snoren, fnoren, from Old English fnora. See snore and sneeze for more on the change from fn- to sn-.