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snifter

American  
[snif-ter] / ˈsnɪf tər /

noun

  1. Also called inhaler.  a pear-shaped glass, narrowing at the top to intensify the aroma of brandy, liqueur, etc.

  2. Informal. a very small drink of liquor.


snifter British  
/ ˈsnɪftə /

noun

  1. a pear-shaped glass with a short stem and a bowl that narrows towards the top so that the aroma of brandy or a liqueur is retained

  2. informal a small quantity of alcoholic drink

"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 snifter

1840–50; derivative of snifter to sniff, snivel, Middle English snyfter; imitative

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.

Phileas Fogg, played by David Tennant, utters these words in disbelief but also in celebration over a snifter of brandy in the finale of "Around the World in 80 Days."

From Salon • Feb. 21, 2022

More recently, “The Dead, 1904,” is becoming a festive season staple, offering fine wining and dining and a snifter of drama in a Gilded Age mansion.

From New York Times • Dec. 20, 2018

You’ve just paid $10 for a snifter of a rich and complex craft beer.

From Washington Post • Jan. 8, 2016

That was a good delivery from Anderson, an excellent line and length outside off with a snifter of movement; Azhar felt for it and edged it through to Jonny Bairstow.

From The Guardian • Nov. 1, 2015

Judge Quinzy entered the room in three long strides, bearing a snifter of some dark, syrupy liquid.

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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