snorkel
snorkel Lexical Profile
snorkel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A short, curved tube that extends above the water's surface, allowing a swimmer or diver to breathe continuously while looking face-down just beneath the surface.
"She packed her fins, mask, and snorkel before heading to the coral reef."
A retractable device containing air-intake and exhaust tubes that allows a submarine to run its diesel engines while submerged, or a similar elevated air intake on an off-road vehicle for crossing deep water.
"The off-road vehicle was equipped with a snorkel, allowing the engine to safely draw in air while traversing the flooded river."
• verb
To swim near the surface of the water while using a snorkel to breathe, usually for recreation or to observe marine life.
"We snorkeled for hours in the clear, shallow waters of the lagoon."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from German 'Schnorchel', originally a submarine breathing tube used during World War II, which derives from the verb 'schnarchen' meaning 'to snore', due to the noise the air intake made.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.