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.

---

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

---

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

“I don’t think that an artist should bother about his audience,” Vladimir Nabokov sniffed.

From The Wall Street Journal

I didn’t even want to, but while I was standing over her I sniffed in with a little quiet sniff.

From Literature

After starting eight successive matches as England's 10 between summer 2024 and the second round of last year's Six Nations, Marcus Smith has not had another sniff of the shirt.

From BBC

He was on his feet, sniffing the air.

From Literature

Then she sniffed and added, ‘He’s too old for me anyway. He’s practically ancient.’

From Literature

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell