sniffle

[snif-uhl]

verb (used without object)

sniffled, sniffling 

1. to sniff repeatedly, as from a head cold or in repressing tears.

   She sniffled woefully.

noun

1. an act or sound of sniffling.

2. (the) sniffles, a condition, as a cold, marked by sniffling.

   This draft is giving me the sniffles.

sniffle

/ ˈsnɪfəl /

verb

1. (intr) to breathe audibly through the nose, as when the nasal passages are congested

noun

1. the act, sound, or an instance of sniffling

Other Word Forms

• sniffler noun
• sniffly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sniffle¹

First recorded in 1625–35; sniff + -le

Example Sentences

She must have been alerted by all the sniffling and shuddering.

Read more on Literature

Penelope heard the sniffling lady ask as they led her inside.

Read more on Literature

The Widow Ashton was already starting to sniffle.

Read more on Literature

With the guards close by she felt she could get through it without melting into sniffles, or worse.

Read more on Literature

He seems very aware that the audience for his kind of niche hit wants to sniffle at delicate emotions.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• choke 
• snort 
• whoop