upturned nose

USAGE SUMMARY

'upturned nose' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it immediately to describe someone's physical appearance. For example: "She had an upturned nose and a mischievous grin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

She had big eyes spaced widely apart, like a goat's, and a tiny upturned nose.

The New Yorker

She is self-conscious about her square upturned nose, which crinkles when she laughs.

The Guardian

But it was unmistakably her: the pugnacious jaw, the upturned nose, the loose wide mouth.

The Guardian - Books

The soldier looked like me: blond hair, blue eyes, an upturned nose.

The New Yorker

She is very pretty, with the sort of cute upturned nose that conventionally spells trouble.

The New York Times

She has a gently upturned nose, big eyes, and bangs, and is quick to smile.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Small, pert, upturned noses are invariably welcome.

The Guardian - Books

This might be Wordplay, but forget your UPTURNED noses; we are not grammar Nazis here.

The New York Times

The French have historically greeted Broadway-style productions, with the exception of "Les Miserables," with upturned noses.

The New York Times

They were semiconical in shape, with long backswept ears, thin upturned noses, and extended chins or beards.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The latest types to find favor with designers have tiny heads, upturned noses, enormous eyes and undeveloped chins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's appearance, use "upturned nose" to convey a sense of youthfulness or a playful, charming look.

Common error

While "upturned nose" is a valid descriptor, relying on it too heavily can make your writing feel unoriginal. Consider using more specific and evocative language to describe the character's features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upturned nose" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective modifying the noun "nose". It specifies a particular physical characteristic. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, demonstrating the phrase's established usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "upturned nose" is a common and grammatically correct descriptor used to characterize a specific nasal feature. Ludwig AI confirms this. It appears frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias, indicating its broad applicability across various writing styles. When using this phrase, consider synonyms like "snub nose" or "pert nose" for variety and to avoid clichés. Remember that while descriptive, the phrase itself doesn't carry inherent meaning beyond the physical attribute and should be used judiciously to enhance character descriptions. As the multiple examples show, describing someone or something as having an "upturned nose" has a wide number of applications across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned-up nose

A synonymous phrase using slightly different wording.

snub nose

Focuses on the shortness and upward angle of the nose.

pug nose

Emphasizes the flat and upturned shape, often considered cute.

pert nose

Highlights the attractiveness and perkiness of an upturned nose.

button nose

Suggests a small and rounded upturned nose.

celestial nose

A less common term implying a nose that turns upward, resembling the shape of a celestial object.

roman nose

Refers to a nose with a prominent bridge but may have a slight upturn at the tip.

ski slope nose

Describes a nose that curves gently upward like a ski slope.

concave nose

Highlights the inward curve of the nose profile.

pixie nose

Implies a small and cute upturned nose, reminiscent of a pixie.

FAQs

How can I describe an upturned nose?

You can describe an upturned nose by focusing on its size (small, pert), shape (snub, button), or overall impression (cute, charming). Use descriptive adjectives to provide a clearer image of the "upturned nose".

What does it mean when someone has an upturned nose?

An upturned nose is simply a physical characteristic where the tip of the nose points slightly upwards. It's often associated with youthfulness or a playful appearance but has no inherent meaning beyond its visual description.

What are some alternative ways to say "upturned nose"?

Alternatives include "snub nose", "pug nose", "pert nose", or "button nose", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "upturned nose" in formal writing?

Yes, "upturned nose" is a neutral and descriptive term that is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, ensure the tone of your description aligns with the overall formality of the piece.