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

This week, Brett Berk reports on efforts to develop AI-powered e-noses that can smell health conditions, sniff out airborne contaminants, or even develop perfumes more quickly and cheaply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Danoff’s long success was due in part to his ability to sniff out large growth companies early and ride them for years of gains.

From Barron's • Jan. 27, 2026

They were frustrated by Forest and bullied by centre-backs Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo to the extent Erling Haaland barely had a sniff.

From BBC • Dec. 27, 2025

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 • Dec. 24, 2025

I leaned down and gave the wailing Pudding a sniff.

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell