snorkel

[snawr-kuh l] /ˈsnɔr kəl/

noun

Also called, British, snort. a device permitting a submarine to remain submerged for prolonged periods, consisting of tubes extended above the surface of the water to take in air for the diesel engine and for general ventilation and to discharge exhaust gases and foul air.

a hard rubber or plastic tube through which a swimmer can breathe while moving face down at or just below the surface of the water.

verb (used without object)

to engage in snorkeling.

Origin

1940-45; < German Schnorchel air intake

Related forms

snorkeler, noun

Examples from the web for snorkel

It was my first-ever night snorkel, and it was such a different experience.
Swimming laps with a mask and snorkel is even more relaxing than normal swimming.
There were tons of colorful tropical fish that were great to snorkel with.
After an endo, grab a snorkel and scope out eagle and manta rays and nurse sharks.
Kayak offshore, then roll overboard to snorkel the reef.
They often snorkel with flashlights at night, when some fish are more active.
Loudest of all is the sound of my own breathing, hollow and detached in the snorkel.
My breathing through my snorkel is strong and regular.
Bleached and dying coral reduces the number of tourists who want to dive or snorkel among the coral reefs.
snorkel mouthpieces feature an orthodontic design, with a snorkel splash guard and wide-bore breathing tube.

British Dictionary definitions for snorkel

snorkel

/ˈsnɔːkəl/

noun

a device allowing a swimmer to breathe while face down on the surface of the water, consisting of a bent tube fitting into the mouth and projecting above the surface

(on a submarine) a retractable vertical device containing air-intake and exhaust pipes for the engines and general ventilation: its use permits extended periods of submergence at periscope depth

(military) a similar device on a tank, enabling it to cross shallow water obstacles

a type of parka or anorak with a hood that projects beyond the face

verb -kels, -kelling, -kelled (US) -kels, -keling, -keled

(intransitive) to swim with a snorkel

Word Origin

C20: from German Schnorchel; related to German schnarchen to snore

Word Origin and History for snorkel

1944, "airshaft for submarines," from German Schnorchel, from German navy slang Schnorchel "nose, snout," related to schnarchen "to snore" (see snore (n.)). So called from its resemblance to a nose and its noise when in use. The anglicized spelling first recorded 1949. The meaning "curved tube used by a swimmer to breathe under water" is first recorded 1951.