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 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 Based on this, the researchers estimate that the proboscis may have first evolved between 260 and 244 million years ago, right after the mass extinction. — Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 5 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for proboscis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proboscis
  1. snout
  2. nose
Noun
  • One way to tell 164 apart from the other bears in the area is the dark vertical indentation on his upper muzzle (or snout).
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The species is distinguished by relatively large ears and broad snouts covered with fine hairs.
    — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of snout
Noun
  • The bridge of Islam Makhachev's nose, right cheek and forehead were scraped or sliced open and his left cheek sported a baseball-sized bruise after taking a few too many brutal blows to the face.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Alexa Frank thought the small, pink, flaky spot on her nose was an acne scar or eczema, a condition that causes dry, itchy skin.
    — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 16 Aug. 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 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on proboscis

Nglish: Translation of proboscis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proboscis

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