nose out
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To find using one's sense of smell.
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Trained to nose out anything from a hidden handgun to a cache of dynamite, the dogs are employed to check important trains like Rajdhani Express or Ashram Express when they arrive at the platform.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To find by searching.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
To defeat by a small margin.
Register: informal
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “nose out” mean?
To find using one's sense of smell.
Is “nose out” formal or informal?
nose out is generally informal.