Nose about

verb

To search around, usually in a nosy or curious way.

The dog is nosing about the kitchen, looking for scraps of food.
Visual representation of "nose about" - To search around, usually in a nosy or curious way.

Often appears as...

  • nose about the room
  • nose about the house

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To search around, usually in a nosy or curious way.

The dog is nosing about the kitchen, looking for scraps of food.
Visual representation of "nose about" - To search around, usually in a nosy or curious way.

Often appears as...

  • nose about the room
  • nose about the house

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "nose about"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Curiosity Implication

Indicates a curious or intrusive interest in something, often with a negative tone.

Illustration for Curiosity Implication
He's always nosing about in confidential files he shouldn't access.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Informal

Mostly used in casual speech; might be informal for some business or academic situations.

Illustration for Often Informal
I caught the new intern nosing about the office.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Conveys Suspicion

Can imply that the person is being suspicious or distrustful of what's hidden.

Illustration for Conveys Suspicion
The manager noticed employees nosing about the memo.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Curiosity Implication

Indicates a curious or intrusive interest in something, often with a negative tone.

Illustration for Curiosity Implication
He's always nosing about in confidential files he shouldn't access.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Informal

Mostly used in casual speech; might be informal for some business or academic situations.

Illustration for Often Informal
I caught the new intern nosing about the office.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Conveys Suspicion

Can imply that the person is being suspicious or distrustful of what's hidden.

Illustration for Conveys Suspicion
The manager noticed employees nosing about the memo.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Curiosity Implication

Indicates a curious or intrusive interest in something, often with a negative tone.

Illustration for Curiosity Implication
He's always nosing about in confidential files he shouldn't access.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Often Informal

Mostly used in casual speech; might be informal for some business or academic situations.

Illustration for Often Informal
I caught the new intern nosing about the office.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Conveys Suspicion

Can imply that the person is being suspicious or distrustful of what's hidden.

Illustration for Conveys Suspicion
The manager noticed employees nosing about the memo.
Visual representation of the word "Nose about"

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