sneeze

American  

[sneez] / sniz /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of sneeze

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

Example Sentences

In a packed waiting hall outside the doctor's consulting room, anxious parents stood in line with children sneezing, coughing or complaining of breathing difficulties.

From BBC

Several over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can help lessen the aggravation of a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.

From Los Angeles Times

For some in Seattle, the joys of spring are but a silver lining to the sniffles, sneezes and struggles of allergy season.

From Seattle Times

Metropolitan Diary: A sneeze, an open window and a near miss below.

From New York Times

Oral allergy medications are effective at alleviating symptoms like congestion, itchiness and sneezing, but a significant downside is that many cause drowsiness, Tirumalasetty said.

From Seattle Times