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

Funny is when kids inspect their parent’s refrigerator, check expiration dates on yogurt and sniff sponges before tossing them in the garbage.

From The Wall Street Journal

His most productive period straddled the era of the Shah and then the Islamic theocratic forces that deposed him - with both systems ever ready to sniff out hidden messages that could be interpreted as dissent.

From BBC

Rampling crackles as a matriarch who can sniff out her kids’ lies and insecurities but has the good manners not to say anything.

From Los Angeles Times

In some cases, the officers are meant to sniff out any scent of treason or collaboration.

From The Wall Street Journal

There was no throttle, just the consistency of panic, complete with sniffing and pivoting.

From Salon

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell