sniffer

[snif-er]

noun

1. a person or thing that sniffs.

2. a device or mechanism for detecting something.

ˈsniffer

/ ˈsnɪfə /

noun

1. a device for detecting hidden substances such as drugs or explosives, esp by their odour

2. a computer program or device used to monitor, detect, and capture data on a network

Word History and Origins

Origin of ˈsniffer¹

First recorded in 1860–65; sniff + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Federal prosecutors said they were taken into custody after a judge ordered searches of their homes in the city by police officers backed by explosive sniffer dogs.

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Spanish emergency services said several crews - with drones and sniffer dogs - were deployed to look for those missing after Tuesday's collapse.

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One of the boys allegedly walked past the offices of Europol, Eurojust and the Canadian embassy in The Hague carrying a "wi-fi sniffer" - a device designed to identify and intercept wi-fi networks.

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But it is this strong smell, as well as the smell associated with their insect poo - frass - that makes them ideal to be found by sniffer dogs.

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Out back, it looks almost empty – until a sniffer dog finds stacks of illegal cigarettes and tobacco inside a makeshift wall.

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Related Words

• beak 
• snout