sniffer

[ snif-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that sniffs.
2. a device or mechanism for detecting something.

ˈsniffer

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniffer¹

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

Example Sentences

NSW Police launched an appeal on 21 October to the public to help find her and began a widescale search using sniffer dogs, firefighters, park rangers and a helicopter with infra-red capabilities.

From BBC

The sniffer dogs at Chisinau Airport have been working extra hard in recent months, searching for money that might be evidence of Russian meddling in Moldovan politics.

From BBC

A threat can lead to the involvement of the bomb disposal squad, sniffer dogs, ambulances, police and doctors.

From BBC

Before the departure from Brazil, local police spent around six hours searching the yacht for drugs, with the help of a sniffer dog.

From BBC

Search and rescue teams, operating with sniffer dogs, continued the search for the grandmother into the night, announcing they had found her and had wrapped up the search at 01:00.

From BBC

Related Words

• beak
• snout