sniffle

American  

[snif-uhl] / ˈsnɪf əl /

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 British  

/ 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

Etymology

Origin of sniffle

First recorded in 1625–35; sniff + -le

Example Sentences

Anecdotally, it's not unusual to have a bit of a sniffle at work.

From BBC • Jul. 4, 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

People might initially shrug off a little sniffle or a tiny sore throat.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 2, 2024

After more than two years of pandemic life, many people are familiar with the worry and fear that can be triggered by a sore throat, sniffle or fatigue: Do I have covid-19?

From Washington Post • Jun. 17, 2022

“That’s beautiful,” she says with a little sniffle.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• choke
• snort
• whoop