sneeze

[sneez]

verb (used without object)

sneezed, sneezing 

1. to emit air or breath suddenly, forcibly, and audibly through the nose and mouth by involuntary, spasmodic action.

noun

1. an act or sound of sneezing.

verb phrase

1. sneeze at,  to treat with contempt; scorn.

   $50,000 is nothing to sneeze at.

sneeze

/ sniːz /

verb

1. (intr) to expel air and nasal secretions from the nose involuntarily, esp as the result of irritation of the nasal mucous membrane

noun

1. the act or sound of sneezing

Other Word Forms

• sneezeless adjective
• sneezer noun
• sneezy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sneeze¹

1485–95; earlier snese; replacing Middle English fnese, Old English fnēosan; cognate with Dutch fniezen, Old Norse fnȳsa

Word History and Origins

Origin of sneeze¹

Old English fnēosan (unattested); related to Old Norse fnӯsa, Middle High German fnūsen, Greek pneuma breath

Example Sentences

With so many viruses around, you could be stuck in a lecture between two people who are sneezing, each infected with a different one.

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Every time he sneezed, I would say, “Bless you,” and he wouldn’t respond.

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The virus is transmitted through direct contact between people, or through airborne droplets in coughs and sneezes.

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The disease is transmitted through direct contact between people, or through airborne droplets in coughs and sneezes.

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Itchy eyes, sneezing, dripping noses, scratchy throats and headaches are a common complaint.

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