sniff

[ snif ]

verb (used without object)

1. to draw air through the nose in short, audible inhalations.
2. to clear the nose by so doing; sniffle.
3. to smell by short inhalations.
4. to show disdain, contempt, etc., by or as by sniffing.

verb (used with object)

1. to perceive by or as by smelling:

   to sniff a scandal.

2. to inhale through the nose:

   to sniff the air.

noun

1. an act of sniffing; a single, short, audible inhalation.
2. the sound made by such an act.
3. a scent or odor perceived:

   a sniff of perfume.

sniff

/ snɪf /

verb

1. to inhale through the nose, usually in short rapid audible inspirations, as for the purpose of identifying a scent, for clearing a congested nasal passage, or for taking a drug or intoxicating fumes
2. whenintr, often foll by at to perceive or attempt to perceive (a smell) by inhaling through the nose

noun

1. the act or sound of sniffing
2. a smell perceived by sniffing, esp a faint scent

Derived Forms

• ˈsniffing, nounadjective

Other Words From

• sniffing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniff¹

1300–50; Middle English; back formation from snivel

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniff¹

C14: probably related to snivelen to snivel

Example Sentences

It was the last chance they got to sniff a try and it passed them by.

From BBC

McAfee is one of several companies offering software tools that help sniff out media with AI-generated content.

From Los Angeles Times

A third-round 69 gave Penge, who had begun his pro career on the lowly EuroPro tour in 2017, a sniff of keeping his card.

From BBC

As the Guardian pointed out, though, the vendors paid to coordinate canvassing have a disincentive to sniff out fake door knocks, because they themselves get paid “by the door.”

From Slate

"He didn't really get much of a sniff today but he showed that he is a goalscorer, a poacher, someone that is ready whenever the opportunity comes."

From BBC

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell