sniff
verb (used without object)
to draw air through the nose in short, audible inhalations.
sniffed
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past participleof sniff.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof sniff.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
sniffverb (used without object)to draw air through the nose in short, audible inhalations.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The New York Times eventually sniffed out the backroom deal.
From Salon ● Aug. 3, 2026
They haven’t sniffed the playoffs since while undergoing seemingly constant leadership changes that have allowed their culture to slowly rot.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026
Yes, they missed out on the league title but they have still won two cups this season, which is not to be sniffed at.
From BBC ● May 22, 2026
He sniffed out most of the fakes right away.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 16, 2026
The great beast nuzzled the horsehair wig with her nose and sniffed at the soup.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
