sniff
[ snif ]
/ snɪf /
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
to perceive by or as by smelling: to sniff a scandal.
to inhale through the nose: to sniff the air.
noun
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Origin of sniff
1300–50; Middle English; back formation from snivel
OTHER WORDS FROM sniff
sniff·ing·ly, adverbWords nearby sniff
snicker, snickersnee, snicket, Snickometer, snide, sniff, sniff at, sniffer, sniffer dog, sniffish, sniffle
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for sniff
British Dictionary definitions for sniff
sniff
/ (snɪf) /
verb
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
(when intr, often foll by at) to perceive or attempt to perceive (a smell) by inhaling through the nose
noun
the act or sound of sniffing
a smell perceived by sniffing, esp a faint scent
Derived forms of sniff
sniffing, noun, adjectiveWord Origin for sniff
C14: probably related to snivelen to snivel
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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