Examples Word Origin
See more synonyms for snivel on Thesaurus.com verb (used without object), sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British ) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling. to weep or cry with sniffling. to affect a tearful state; whine. to run at the nose; have a runny nose: She sniveled from the cold. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose: Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief. Show More
verb (used with object), sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British ) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling. to utter with sniveling or sniffling. Show More
weak, whining, or pretended weeping. a light sniffle, as in weeping. a hypocritical show of feeling: a sentimental snivel. mucus running from the nose. snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; sniffles (usually preceded by the ). Show More
Origin of snivel 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung (gerund), derivative of snofl mucus; cognate with Low German snüfeln
Related forms sniv·el·er ; especially British sniv·el·ler , noun Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words for snivel gripe ,
whimper ,
whine ,
groan ,
shine ,
sob ,
sniff ,
blubber ,
weep ,
complain ,
fret ,
sniffle Examples from the Web for snivel Historical Examples of snivel When the blows fell, he held his breath, but he did not snivel .
When the blows fell, he held his breath, but did not snivel .
Mr. Snivel has placed himself against it, begs she will be calm.
I am so glad—But (Mr. Snivel interrupts himself) never mind that!
Mr. Snivel frets his fingers through his beard, and bows with an easy grace.
British Dictionary definitions for snivel verb -els , -elling or -elled or US -els , -eling or -eled (intr) to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly to utter (something) tearfully; whine (intr) to have a runny nose Show More
an instance of snivelling Show More
Derived Forms sniveller , noun snivelling , adjective , noun snivelly , adjective Word Origin for snivel C14 snivelen; related to Old English snyflung mucus, Dutch snuffelen to smell out, Old Norse snoppa snout
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for snivel v. Old English *snyflan "to run at the nose" (cf. snyflung "running of the nose"), related to snofl "nasal mucus;" see snout . Meaning "to be in an (affected) tearful state" is from 1680s. Related: Snivelled ; snivelling . As a noun from 14c. Melville coined snivelization (1849). Middle English had contemptuous term snivelard (n.).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
