nosy

adjective

ˈnō-zē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
variants or nosey
nosier; nosiest
Synonyms of nosynext
: of prying or inquisitive (see inquisitive sense 2) disposition or quality : intrusive
nosy reporters
nosy neighbors
nosily
ˈnō-zə-lē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
adverb
nosiness
ˈnō-zē-nəs How to pronounce nosy (audio)
noun

Synonyms

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of nosy in a Sentence

nosy in-laws asking about our finances a nosy coworker sat down right next to us as we were having an unmistakably private conversation
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The unsecured Signal group chat may have violated the law and Department of Defense regulations, including a warning a week earlier about security vulnerabilities in the Signal app that were being targeted by nosy Russian hacking groups. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2025 Geminis are often very funny and intelligent, which is why Clark Green also exemplifies the traits of the sign, including being a nosy coworker. — Lisa Stardust, People.com, 24 Mar. 2025 My nosy side has always wanted to know: Washingtonian’s Patrick Hruby gives an inside look at what happens at the NASA center in Maryland. — The Hill, 31 Jan. 2025 Believe it or not, this can also protect you from the nosy family members who always have a thousand questions. — Harriette Cole, The Mercury News, 25 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for nosy

Word History

Etymology

nose entry 1

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nosy was in 1828

Phrases Containing nosy

Rhymes for nosy

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Browse Nearby Words

no such thing
nosy
nosy parker
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Cite this Entry

“Nosy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nosy. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

nosy

adjective
variants or nosey
ˈnō-zē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
nosier; nosiest
: of a prying or inquisitive disposition or quality : intrusive
nosily
-zə-lē How to pronounce nosy (audio)
adverb
nosiness
-zē-nəs How to pronounce nosy (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on nosy

Nglish: Translation of nosy for Spanish Speakers

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