# snort

/ˈsnɔɹt/ (US) · /snˈɔːt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snort
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to breathe out loudly

verb · CEFR B2

to force air out through your nose with a loud sound, often because you are surprised, laughing, or angry.

For teachers: to exhale air forcibly through the nostrils, producing a characteristic harsh sound.

- The horse gave a loud snort and shook its head as we approached the fence.
- The old stallion snorted at the unfamiliar scent, pawing the ground with a restless energy that suggested he might bolt at any moment.

### 2. to show contempt

verb · CEFR B2

to make a sound through your nose to show that you think something is stupid or not worth your time.

For teachers: to express derision, contempt, or incredulity by making a snorting sound.

- "You think you can win?" he snorted, looking at my old running shoes.
- She snorted in disbelief when the politician claimed that the new tax would actually save the average family money.

### 3. to inhale a drug

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang

to breathe a drug in powder form up into your nose.

For teachers: to inhale a powdered substance, typically a narcotic, through the nostrils. Transitive — takes the substance as a direct object.

- The movie showed the characters snorting white powder in a dark club.
- The documentary explored the devastating health consequences for individuals who regularly snort cocaine and other illicit stimulants.

### 4. to use a submarine snorkel

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical · British English

to sail a submarine just under the water while using a special tube to breathe air.

For teachers: to operate a submarine at periscope depth while using a snorkel (or 'snort') to provide air for the engines and crew.

- The submarine had to snort for several hours to recharge its batteries.
- The vessel was forced to snort under cover of darkness to avoid detection by enemy aircraft patrolling the surface.

### 5. the sound itself

noun · CEFR B2

the loud sound made by breathing air quickly through the nose.

For teachers: a sound made by exhaling or inhaling roughly through the nose, often signifying a specific emotion or physiological state.

- She let out a snort of laughter when she saw his ridiculous hat.
- A sharp snort of indignation escaped him as he read the scathing review of his latest novel.

## Examples

- He tried to hide his laugh but let out a loud snort.
- When I suggested that we should walk ten miles in the rain, she just gave a loud snort of derision.
- The horse gave a sudden snort and tossed its head, startled by the rustling of the dry leaves in the autumn wind.

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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.