snorkel

 
Pronunciation: /ˈsnɔːk(ə)l/

noun

  • 1a tube for a swimmer to breathe through while under water: bring a snorkel and flippers to explore the offshore reef
  • 2 (Snorkel) trademark a type of hydraulically elevated platform for firefighting: 50% of turntable ladders were replaced by Snorkels

verb (snorkels, snorkelling, snorkelled; US snorkels, snorkeling, snorkeled)

[no object] (often as noun snorkelling)
  • swim using a snorkel: the sea is incredibly clear—ideal for snorkelling snorkel around the unspoilt coral reefs

Derivatives

snorkeller

noun

Origin:

1940s: from German Schnorchel

Spelling rule

Double the l when adding endings which begin with a vowel to words which end in a vowel plus l (as in travel): (snorkels, snorkelling, snorkelled).