late 14c., "to snore," probably related to snore, v.. Meaning "breathe through the nose with a harsh sound" first recorded 1520s. Sense of "express contempt" is from 1818. Meaning "to inhale cocaine" is first attested 1935. Related: Snorted; snorting. American English snorter "something fierce or furious" is from 1833.

1808, "act of snorting," from snort, v.. Meaning "a drink of liquor" (especially whiskey) is from 1889.