sniffer

American  

[snif-er] / ˈsnɪf ər /

noun

1. a person or thing that sniffs.

2. a device or mechanism for detecting something.

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sniffer British  

/ ˈsnɪfə /

noun

1. a device for detecting hidden substances such as drugs or explosives, esp by their odour

2. a computer program or device used to monitor, detect, and capture data on a network

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Etymology

Origin of sniffer

First recorded in 1860–65; sniff + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In the two weeks since Guthrie's disappearance, the FBI and local police have conducted a massive search operation involving helicopters, sniffer dogs and hundreds of officers, while taking in thousands of call-in tips.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

Footage from the campsite on Mount Maunganui shows rescuers and sniffer dogs combing through crushed caravans and flattened tents.

From BBC • Jan. 22, 2026

One of the boys allegedly walked past the offices of Europol, Eurojust and the Canadian embassy in The Hague carrying a "wi-fi sniffer" - a device designed to identify and intercept wi-fi networks.

From BBC • Sep. 26, 2025

But it is this strong smell, as well as the smell associated with their insect poo - frass - that makes them ideal to be found by sniffer dogs.

From BBC • Aug. 30, 2025

Truant officers and their sniffer dogs'd be put on my trail.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Related Words

• beak
• snout