snivel

[sniv-uhl]

verb (used without object)

sniveled, sniveling , snivelled, snivelling .

1. to weep or cry with sniffling.

2. to affect a tearful state; whine.

3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose.

   She sniveled from the cold.

4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose.

   Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.

verb (used with object)

sniveled, sniveling , snivelled, snivelling .

1. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.

noun

1. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.

2. a light sniffle, as in weeping.

3. a hypocritical show of feeling.

   a sentimental snivel.

4. mucus running from the nose.

5. (the) snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; the sniffles.

snivel

/ ˈsnɪvəl /

verb

1. (intr) to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly

2. to utter (something) tearfully; whine

3. (intr) to have a runny nose

noun

1. an instance of snivelling

Other Word Forms

• sniveler noun
• snivelly adjective
• snivelling adjective
• sniveller noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung “sniveling,” derivative of snofl “mucus”; cognate with Low German snüfeln

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

C14 snivelen; related to Old English snyflung mucus, Dutch snuffelen to smell out, Old Norse snoppa snout

Example Sentences

He has mentioned Trump or Musk - who called the Lib Dem leader a "snivelling cretin" last month - in each of his six previous appearances at the weekly scrutiny session in the House of Commons.

Read more on BBC

Ignoring the candidates, he just sniveled about the “stolen” election and how Republicans’ votes did not count in Georgia.

Read more on Seattle Times

“Sorry I gave you a hard time this morning,” I sniveled.

Read more on Literature

"You know what, I, I, I, find that ludicrous. But if it's the case, maybe you'll win a Pulitzer for that," he sniveled.

Read more on Salon

And I whine a little bit and moan and snivel, and that works.

Read more on New York Times