# nosed

/ˈnoʊzd/ (US) · /nˈəʊzd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nosed
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to move forward slowly and carefully, often into a tight space. You use this when a car or boat is trying to get through a crowded area.

For teachers: to advance cautiously or tentatively in a specific direction. Often describes the slow movement of a vehicle or vessel through a restricted space.

## Examples

- The car nosed slowly into the narrow parking spot.
- The captain nosed the ferry into the dock through the thick morning fog.
- The sleek sedan nosed out of the alleyway, its driver checking both directions for oncoming traffic before merging into the busy evening flow.

## Usage notes

- The verb is often used with a preposition of direction such as 'into', 'out of', or 'through'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.