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.

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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

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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

It means that this year’s flu shot, Rajnarayanan said, “is not perfect enough to prevent every sniffle.”

From Salon

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

The only sound is a few sniffles and the rustling of people getting No. 2 pencils out of their bags —because it’s test time!

From Literature

Lying would be obvious if you’re not coughing, sniffling or sneezing, and insulting to the other person.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From Literature

Related Words

• choke
• snort
• whoop