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. 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

Other Word Forms

• sniffingly adverb
• sniffing noun

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

The Harcourt we know, who sports black jeans and gets into bar fights just to feel something, is astounded that Peacemaker didn’t immediately sniff out the rot in this utopia.

Read more on Salon

A sniff of a rotting old chair frightens Indy so much, he wets the rug.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

What he lacked was a modicum of a chance, a sniff at goal.

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Prof Thomas has been training his dog Rue, who sniffed out the first one this summer.

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"You still want to push in club football with the hope of maybe getting a sniff," he said.

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Related Words

• detect 
• inhale 
• smell