flat-nosed
|flat-nosed|
🇺🇸
/ˈflætˌnoʊzd/
🇬🇧
/ˈflætˌnəʊzd/
having a flattened or short nose
Etymology
'flat-nosed' originates from English as a compound of 'flat' + 'nose', where 'flat' meant 'level, even' and 'nose' referred to the projecting part of the face.
'flat' comes into English from Old Norse 'flatr' (via Old English influences), while 'nose' derives from Old English 'nosu' (from Proto-Germanic *nusus); the compound 'flat-nosed' developed in modern English by combining these elements to describe a particular nose shape.
Initially the separate words simply described 'level' + 'nose'; over time the compound stabilized as an adjectival description specifically indicating a flattened or short nose shape.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a short, broad, or flattened nose; used of people or animals with a nose that appears compressed or low in profile.
The bulldog is a flat-nosed breed often prone to breathing issues.
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Adjective 2
figuratively, having a blunt or flattened appearance or profile (less common).
The sculpture looked oddly flat-nosed from one angle, losing its usual depth.
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Last updated: 2026/01/07 21:37