proboscis

noun

prə-ˈbä-səs How to pronounce proboscis (audio)
Definition of proboscisnext
as in snout
the part of the face bearing the nostrils and nasal cavity if there were a direct relation between mendacity and the length of one's proboscis, hers would be a mile long

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of proboscis Their long proboscises, like divining rods, gently make inquiries of the stone. — Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 These powerful proboscises are strong enough to push over 900 pound trees and gentle enough to pick up a tortilla chip without breaking it. — Sarah Kaplan, Washington Post, 12 Feb. 2026 Next, the soft protective outer sheath of each insect's proboscis was detached and discarded. — New Atlas, 27 Dec. 2025 Well, then it’s being stolen right out from under its retracting proboscis, which is actually just another drooling head that lives in its mouth. — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for proboscis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proboscis
  1. snout
  2. nose
Noun
  • This animal, with its long anteater snout and small ears, starred in Arthur's Nose, published in 1976.
    — Ashley Montgomery, NPR, 5 Oct. 2026
  • The Gaboon viper, which has two hornlike projections on its snout, feeds mainly on rodents and ground-dwelling birds.
    — Fedor Zarkhin, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of snout
Noun
  • Some anti-hate groups view the use of the nose emoji as antisemitic, while goy is a term that has been appropriated by those who espouse antisemitic views.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The doctor may pass a small camera through your nose to look at your vocal cords.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of nose

Browse Nearby Words

pro bono
proboscis
proboscises
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Cite this Entry

“Proboscis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proboscis. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proboscis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proboscis

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