Snort Meaning
/snɔɹt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounThe sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose.
nounA dose of snuff or other drug to be snorted.
Sentence Examples
I don't like the sound the pigs make when they snort.
I like to snort cocaine.
CEFR Practice Quiz
When annoyed, the pig would flare its nostrils and let out a sharp ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The horse gave a loud ____ and shook its head as it waited for the rider to climb on.
Word Origin & History
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-.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
""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."
— 1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World […], London; New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton, →OCLC:
"She unlocked the top drawer of the roll-top desk, took out a bottle and a glass and poured herself a snort."
— 1945, John Steinbeck, Cannery Row:
"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."
— 1951, Indiana Historical Society Publications, volumes 16-17, page 157:
""It won't buy you any wine," Paxton told him.
"I know that," the drunk replied in an insulted tone. "It's a pussy pass, ain't it?"
Paxton grinned wearily. "How would you know that? You'd rather have a snort than a screw any day.""
— 1978, George G. Gilman, Edge: Red River, Pinnacle Books, →ISBN, page 45:
"Disembarkation seemed a slow business. From the deck one watched a "Merchant Navy" Pacific drift lazily along the track beside the wall of the Marine Station, and little South Eastern tanks go snorting fussily about."
— 1946 January and February, 'Talisman', “Bückeburg to Aberayron”, in Railway Magazine, page 41:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
When annoyed, the pig would flare its nostrils and let out a sharp ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The horse gave a loud ____ and shook its head as it waited for the rider to climb on.