snivel

[ sniv-uhl ]

verb (used without object)

, sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling.

1. to weep or cry with sniffling.
2. to affect a tearful state; whine.
3. to run at the nose; have a runny nose:

   She sniveled from the cold.

4. to draw up mucus audibly through the nose:

   Stop sniveling and use your handkerchief.

verb (used with object)

, sniv·eled, sniv·el·ing or (especially British) sniv·elled, sniv·el·ling.

1. to utter with sniveling or sniffling.

noun

1. weak, whining, or pretended weeping.
2. a light sniffle, as in weeping.
3. a hypocritical show of feeling:

   a sentimental snivel.

4. mucus running from the nose.
5. (the) snivels, a sniveling condition; a slight cold; the sniffles.

snivel

/ ˈsnɪvəl /

verb

1. intr to sniffle as a sign of distress, esp contemptibly
2. to utter (something) tearfully; whine
3. intr to have a runny nose

noun

1. an instance of snivelling

Derived Forms

• ˈsnivelly, adjective
• ˈsniveller, noun
• ˈsnivelling, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• snivel·er especially British, snivel·ler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English snyvele; compare Old English snyflung “sniveling,” derivative of snofl “mucus”; cognate with Low German snüfeln

Word History and Origins

Origin of snivel¹

C14 snivelen; related to Old English snyflung mucus, Dutch snuffelen to smell out, Old Norse snoppa snout

Example Sentences

I, the Socman, am shorn of my lands that you may snivel Latin and eat bread for which you never did hand's turn.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a snivel of delight on the face of the rascal who had formerly spoken, and who now responded to his chief's invitation.

From Project Gutenberg

I dont snivel about what you call moral obligations; I only recognize money obligations.

From Project Gutenberg

The boy was sniveling too, but I took notice it wasn't a scared snivel—it was a mad snivel, if you all know what I mean.

From Project Gutenberg

Whatever you do (and I address myself in particular to you in the furthest), never snivel.

From Project Gutenberg