snivel
Americanverb (used without object)
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to weep or cry with sniffling.
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to affect a tearful state; whine.
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to run at the nose; have a runny nose.
She sniveled from the cold.
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to draw up mucus audibly through the nose.
Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.
verb (used with object)
noun
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weak, whining, or pretended weeping.
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a light sniffle, as in weeping.
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a hypocritical show of feeling.
a sentimental snivel.
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mucus running from the nose.
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(the) snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; the sniffles.
verb
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(intr) to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly
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to utter (something) tearfully; whine
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(intr) to have a runny nose
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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snivelsimple
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snivelssimple
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have sniveledperfect
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have snivelledperfect
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has sniveledperfect
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has snivelledperfect
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am snivelingprogressive
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am snivellingprogressive
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are snivelingprogressive
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are snivellingprogressive
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is snivelingprogressive
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is snivellingprogressive
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have been snivelingperfect progressive
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have been snivellingperfect progressive
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has been snivelingperfect progressive
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has been snivellingperfect progressive
Past
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sniveledsimple
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snivelledsimple
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had sniveledperfect
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had snivelledperfect
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was snivelingprogressive
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was snivellingprogressive
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were snivelingprogressive
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were snivellingprogressive
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had been snivelingperfect progressive
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had been snivellingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of snivel
First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung “sniveling,” derivative of snofl “mucus”; cognate with Low German snüfeln
Explanation
Sometimes, when you really want something, you might resort to whining and blubbering to get it — in other words, you'll snivel. It's never pretty, so try to keep your dignity, and don't snivel! If you want a real picture of the verb snivel, consider that the meaning of the assumed Old English word snyflan meant "to run at the nose, to sniffle." Even worse, that was derived from snofl, or "mucus." Pretty picture, eh? The word came to mean "be tearful," and it suggested someone who was weak or nasty. Today it is often used in its adjective form, sniveling, followed by a contemptuous noun like "coward."
Vocabulary lists containing snivel
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"Of Mice and Men"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Snivel enters, to the great delight of the old hostess and various friends of the house.
From An Outcast or, Virtue and Faith by Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)
While Mrs. Swiggs is being entertained by Sister Scudder and her clerical friends in New York, Mr. Snivel is making good his demand on her property in Charleston.
From An Outcast or, Virtue and Faith by Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)
Mr. Snivel twirls his hat in the air, and condescends to say he feels in an exceedingly happy state of mind.
From An Outcast or, Virtue and Faith by Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)
Her defiant way struck Snivel as something wonderful, coming from a defenseless girl, as it did.
From Young Wild West at "Forbidden Pass" and, How Arietta Paid the Toll by Scout, An Old
"Mr. Snivel is the spirit of this house," resumes the old hostess, by way of introduction; "a gentleman of distinction in the law."
From An Outcast or, Virtue and Faith by Adams, F. Colburn (Francis Colburn)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
