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
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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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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