sniffle

[ snif-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, snif·fled, snif·fling.

1. to sniff repeatedly, as from a head cold or in repressing tears:

   She sniffled woefully.

noun

1. an act or sound of sniffling.
2. (the) sniffles, a condition, as a cold, marked by sniffling:

   This draft is giving me the sniffles.

sniffle

/ ˈsnɪfəl /

verb

1. intr to breathe audibly through the nose, as when the nasal passages are congested

noun

1. the act, sound, or an instance of sniffling

Derived Forms

• ˈsniffler, noun
• ˈsniffly, adjective

Other Words From

• sniffler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniffle¹

First recorded in 1625–35; sniff + -le

Example Sentences

Those cases can be as modest as a few days of sniffles, but, in other circumstances, can spawn debilitating headaches and fatigue.

From Washington Post

Many infected kids get away with no symptoms, or with only a few sniffles.

From Science News For Students

Surgical masks are a common part of life, and it’s normal for anyone with a mild sniffle to wear one to work or on public transport.

From Time

Sulfites, which winemakers in the United States sometimes use to keep wine from spoiling, are often to blame for wine-induced sniffles.

From Popular-Science

The subway is far emptier, for one thing—and with the riders onboard almost universally wearing masks, the chorus of sniffles and coughs has been silenced.

From Time

But no matter, we are allergic and getting more allergic, hear us roar (and sniffle and whine and hack).

From The Daily Beast

Many sniffle and wheeze antidotes are in the list of the 100 most frequently prescribed medications in 2013.

From The Daily Beast

Let's not have a sniffle," the chorus continues—"Let's have a bloody good cry.

From The Daily Beast

The plate of meat was brought by Mary Jones with Gower beside her, and a sniffle of her happiness audible.

From Project Gutenberg

The strange young woman's avoidance of any popular sniffle of the pathetic had a recognized merit.

From Project Gutenberg

At the invitation both children threw themselves violently on Mary and clung to her, beginning to sniffle again.

From Project Gutenberg

It took the form of an unmistakable sniffle, and it somehow contrived to be indubitably and rather pitifully feminine.

From Project Gutenberg

At this moment a sound was heard on the other side of the door, something between a cry, a sniffle, and a sob.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• choke
• snort
• whoop