1 B2 idiomatic informal
To move around a place looking for information or items of interest, often intrusively.
"A journalist was seen nosing around the politician's neighbourhood asking questions."
nose around
B2 informal intransitive
To search around a place in an inquisitive or prying way, trying to discover information.
In plain English
To look around somewhere, usually trying to find out things that are private or not your business.
What does "nose around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To explore or examine a place out of curiosity, without necessarily intending harm.
"We spent an hour nosing around the antique market, looking for hidden gems."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To use one's nose to sniff around — as an animal investigates its environment.
Actually means
To look around somewhere, usually trying to find out things that are private or not your business.
Usage tip
Used in both British and American English. Implies curiosity that may border on intrusiveness. Often used with a mildly disapproving tone. Can be used with a direct object: 'nosing around someone's house'.
Words that pair with "nose around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house office files records scene archive
How to conjugate "nose around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
nose around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
noses around
he/she/it
Past simple
nosed around
yesterday
Past participle
nosed around
have + pp
-ing form
nosing around
continuous
Hear "nose around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "nose around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "nose around"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.