snivel

[ sniv-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling.

1. to weep or cry with sniffling.
2. to affect a tearful state; whine.
3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose:

   She sniveled from the cold.

4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose:

   Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.

verb (used with object)

, sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling.

1. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.

noun

1. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.
2. a light sniffle, as in weeping.
3. a hypocritical show of feeling:

   a sentimental snivel.

4. mucus running from the nose.
5. (the) snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; the sniffles.

snivel

/ ˈsnɪvəl /

verb

1. intr to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly
2. to utter (something) tearfully; whine
3. intr to have a runny nose

noun

1. an instance of snivelling

Derived Forms

• ˈsnivelly, adjective
• ˈsnivelling, adjectivenoun
• ˈsniveller, noun

Other Words From

• snivel·er especially British, snivel·ler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung “sniveling,” derivative of snofl “mucus”; cognate with Low German snüfeln

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

C14 snivelen; related to Old English snyflung mucus, Dutch snuffelen to smell out, Old Norse snoppa snout

Example Sentences

Ignoring the candidates, he just sniveled about the “stolen” election and how Republicans’ votes did not count in Georgia.

From Seattle Times

“Sorry I gave you a hard time this morning,” I sniveled.

From Literature

"You know what, I, I, I, find that ludicrous. But if it's the case, maybe you'll win a Pulitzer for that," he sniveled.

From Salon

And I whine a little bit and moan and snivel, and that works.

From New York Times

While Trump sniveled, telling the insurrectionists to go home without condemning their behavior and while asserting his love for them, Biden minced no words.

From Washington Post