sniffle
Americanverb (used without object)
-
sniffles,
present (3rd person singular)
-
sniffled,
past participle, past
-
sniffling
present participle
noun
-
sniffles
plural
-
an act or sound of sniffling.
-
(the) sniffles, a condition, as a cold, marked by sniffling.
This draft is giving me the sniffles.
verb
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
snifflesimple
-
snifflessimple
-
have sniffledperfect
-
has sniffledperfect
-
am snifflingprogressive
-
are snifflingprogressive
-
is snifflingprogressive
-
have been snifflingperfect progressive
-
has been snifflingperfect progressive
Past
-
sniffledsimple
-
had sniffledperfect
-
was snifflingprogressive
-
were snifflingprogressive
-
had been snifflingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of sniffle
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.
See Examples For:
He seems very aware that the audience for his kind of niche hit wants to sniffle at delicate emotions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 6, 2025
However, once the coronavirus began to spread, many wondered if presenteeism would wane as the public grew more fearful of those with a cough or sniffle — but that didn’t seem to last long.
From Salon ● Feb. 15, 2024
It’s a sniffle, a tickle in the throat and a headache.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2022
Ms Adgey said people must understand the threat of RSV and that for some, especially children, it is not just a little sniffle or cold.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2022
Her ears sank and I heard her sniffle, so I looked away to let her mourn privately.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
It made parents more wary of illness, so when children get sniffles, they want to keep them off.
From BBC ● May 5, 2025
To deliver sentiment, the film instead relies on a score that sniffles as though a racehorse is being taken out to get shot.
From New York Times ● Jun. 20, 2024
You may be spreading virus particles a day or two before your first sniffles appear; this viral shedding can peak two or three days after you develop symptoms.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 21, 2024
Beyond springtime sniffles, allergies make it hard to concentrate, leading to missed work and school.
From Salon ● Aug. 15, 2023
“It’s just a great photo,” Grace sniffles, and Joaquin leans against the banister next to them.
From "Far from the Tree" by Robin Benway
Members of the crowd sniffled and wiped away tears.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 16, 2023
He sniffled as the postgame news conference was about to begin.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 26, 2023
Subsequent jurors held back tears, or sniffled, their faces distraught.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 11, 2022
I’ve seen “Falsettos” with friends who’ve laughed and sniffled through it and with others who’ve been restlessly, audibly frustrated.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 19, 2019
This would be the place where Uncle D was supposed to say something funny to keep Pa from getting mad, but Uncle D just sniffled.
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
For the 23-year-old Christmas can be a particularly difficult time as the sounds of other people, chewing, slurping and sniffling make her feel extremely uncomfortable.
From BBC ● Dec. 23, 2025
Lying would be obvious if you’re not coughing, sniffling or sneezing, and insulting to the other person.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 4, 2025
José stared at the ground, sniffling, pulling up his shirt to wipe away tears.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2025
While playing a game of “Name that Tagline” with Evans, Wilson struggled to contain his sniffling and sipped on his tall glass of milk until it was empty.
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2025
"Did I mention I never found Watney's body? " she said, sniffling.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
