A small bunch of fragrant flowers or herbs tied in a bundle, often presented as a gift; nosegays were originally intended to be put to the nose for the pleasantsensation or to mask unpleasantodours.
From Late Middle English nōsegai (?), from nōse (from Old English nosu, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *nas- ("nose")) + gai (from Old French gai ("cheerful, gay, happy")); equivalent to nose + gay.
Modern English dictionary
Explore and search massive catalog of over 900,000 word meanings.
Word of the Day
Get a curated memorable word every day.
Challenge yourself
Level up your vocabulary by setting personal goals.