snorkel
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsnɔːrkəl/
KK: /ˈsnɔrkəl/
intransitive verb
Definition
To swim underwater while using a tube that allows you to breathe air from above the water's surface.
Example
We decided to snorkel in the clear waters of the coral reef.
Tense Forms
Past: snorkeled
Past Participle: snorkeled
Conversation
Have you ever tried to snorkel in the ocean?
Yeah, I did it last summer, and it was amazing!
I really want to snorkel and see all the fish up close.
You should definitely go for it — it's such a cool experience!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dive
swim
float
Antonyms
sink
submerge
drown
noun
Definition
A device that allows a person to breathe while swimming underwater, consisting of a long tube that goes into the mouth and extends above the water's surface.
Example
He used a snorkel to explore the coral reef without having to come up for air.
Conversation
I'm really excited to go snorkeling this weekend!
That sounds amazing! Do you have your snorkel ready?
Yeah, I just bought a new one, and I can't wait to try it out.
Root Explanation
The word 'snorkel' originates from the Dutch word 'snorkelen', meaning to breathe through the nose, which is a combination of 'snor' (meaning mustache) and the diminutive suffix '-kel'. The term describes a device that allows a person to breathe while swimming underwater, resembling the action of breathing through a mustache.
Memory Tip
Imagine using a device that lets you breathe while swimming, just like how a mustache might catch water — that's why 'snorkel' relates to breathing underwater.
Visually Confused Words
schnorkel
snoke