# snout

/ˈsnaʊt/ (US) · /snˈaʊt/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. animal nose

noun · CEFR B2

the long, projecting nose and mouth of an animal, such as a pig or a dog.

For teachers: the elongated projecting nose, mouth, and jaw of a mammal, particularly characteristic of suids and certain canines.

- The pig pushed its snout through the dirt looking for something to eat.
- The hound kept its snout close to the damp earth, tracking the scent of the fox through the dense undergrowth.

### 2. cigarettes

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

a slang word for tobacco or cigarettes.

For teachers: a slang term for tobacco or cigarettes, frequently used in prison contexts or working-class dialects.

- He asked his friend if he had any snout left before the break ended.
- In the exercise yard, the inmates often traded their meager rations for a bit of snout.

### 3. police informer

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Slang

a person who gives secret information to the police.

For teachers: a police informant who provides intelligence on criminal activity.

- The gang suspected there was a snout in their group talking to the detectives.
- The detective met his snout in a quiet pub to receive a tip-off about the planned robbery.

### 4. human nose

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal · Humorous

a rude or funny way to talk about a person's nose.

For teachers: a derogatory or humorous reference to a human nose, especially one that is large or prominent.

- Keep your snout out of my private business.
- He wiped his snout with a dirty handkerchief and continued grumbling to himself.

### 5. nozzle or end

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the end of a pipe or hose where water or air comes out.

For teachers: the projecting nozzle or terminal end of a pipe, hose, or similar mechanical apparatus.

- Attach the snout of the hose to the tap before turning the water on.
- The technician adjusted the snout of the industrial vacuum to ensure it captured all the fine dust particles.

## Examples

- The pig used its snout to dig in the dirt.
- The dog pressed its wet snout against the window to watch the birds in the garden.
- The tapir's flexible snout allows it to grab leaves and fruit from branches that would otherwise be out of reach in the dense jungle.

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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.