sniff

American  

[snif] / snɪf /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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noun

1. the act or sound of sniffing

2. a smell perceived by sniffing, esp a faint scent

Other Word Forms

• sniffing noun
• sniffingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of sniff

1300–50; Middle English; back formation from snivel

Example Sentences

She showed it in the way she rubbed her throat across Fred’s spiky back, let Selkie sniff her nose, and let Nim tickle her chin.

From Literature

“Admissions officers are professionals at sniffing that out,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some participants used prearranged signals, such as specific in and out sniffing patterns, to indicate that they heard the sounds and were actively working on the puzzles within their dreams.

From Science Daily

The old woman sitting by the fire sniffed the air and smacked her lips with a greedy sound.

From Literature

He crouched down on his paws, his nose sniffing the pavement.

From Literature

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell