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Synonyms

sniffer

American  
[snif-er] / ˈsnɪf ər /

noun

  1. a person or thing that sniffs.

  2. a device or mechanism for detecting something.


sniffer British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sniffer

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

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.

Sniffer dogs, soldiers, police and firefighters scoured the area for more evidence.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2024

Sniffer dogs combed the debris, and a mechanical digger lifted piles of rubble from the site.

From Washington Times • Oct. 8, 2022

The actual number is closer to 70,000, according to a site called Token Sniffer.

From New York Times • Aug. 5, 2021

One was a pull-along toy dog called Snoopy Sniffer; others included a range of 16 toys called the Hopefuls, which included Dr Doodle and Granny Doodle.

From The Guardian • Jun. 13, 2020

I think we are about to get stuck in the middle of another time-consuming battle like the Stinkfoot and Sniffer war!

From The Forest Monster of Oz by Evans, Bob

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