snort

Definition

The sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose.

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-.

Example Sentences

• ""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."
• "She unlocked the top drawer of the roll-top desk, took out a bottle and a glass and poured herself a snort."
• "Everybody tipped up the jug and took a snort of whisky and followed it with a gourd of cool water. We thought a snort of whisky now and then braced us up some and put a little more lift in us."