1 B2 idiomatic informal
To look around a place in a nosy or inquisitive manner, searching for information or things of interest.
"I caught him nosing about in my desk while I was on my lunch break."
nose about
B2 informal intransitive
To look around somewhere in a nosy or inquisitive way, searching for information or interesting things.
In plain English
To look around somewhere in a curious, nosy way, trying to find out things that may not be your business.
What does "nose about" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use one's nose to sniff around an area — as an animal would when exploring.
Actually means
To look around somewhere in a curious, nosy way, trying to find out things that may not be your business.
Usage tip
Chiefly British English. Implies gentle prying or curiosity rather than serious spying. Often used with a slightly humorous or disapproving tone. Very close in meaning to 'nose around'.
Words that pair with "nose about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
desk room house files emails office
How to conjugate "nose about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nose about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
noses about
he/she/it
Past simple
nosed about
yesterday
Past participle
nosed about
have + pp
-ing form
nosing about
continuous
Hear "nose about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nose about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "nose about"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
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