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

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

Then she lifts her nose into the air and sniffs.

From Literature

There were giggles and murmurs of disgust and delight from the group, then Door yelled, “Good thing the presentation isn’t scratch and sniff!”

From Literature

Hawthorne told the BBC: "People often walk in this place in despair, we see it in their eyes and their demeanour and they sniff hope."

From BBC

Just ask Ernie, the canine star of an article about dogs trained to sniff out prison contraband.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• detect
• inhale
• smell