snuffle

[snuhf-uhl]

verb (used without object)

snuffled, snuffling 

1. to draw air into the nose for the purpose of smelling something; snuff.

2. to draw the breath or mucus through the nostrils in an audible or noisy manner; sniffle.

3. to speak through the nose or with a nasal twang.

4. to whine; snivel.

verb (used with object)

snuffled, snuffling 

1. to utter in a nasal tone.

noun

1. an act or sound of breathing loudly through the nose.

2. (the) snuffles, a condition of the nose, such as from a cold, causing a person to breath or draw mucus through the nostrils noisily.

3. a nasal tone of voice.

snuffle

/ ˈsnʌfəl /

verb

1. (intr) to breathe noisily or with difficulty

2. to say or speak in a nasal tone

3. (intr) to snivel

noun

1. an act or the sound of snuffling

2. a nasal tone or voice

3. a condition characterized by snuffling

Other Word Forms

• snuffler noun
• snufflingly adverb
• snuffly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of snuffle¹

First recorded in 1575–85, for an earlier sense; 1595–1605, for the current sense; from Dutch snuffelen “to nose (in something),” literally, “to sniff repeatedly,” from snuffen “to sniff,” with -el-, frequentative infix; equivalent to snuff ¹ ( def. ) + -le

Word History and Origins

Origin of snuffle¹

C16: from Low German or Dutch snuffelen; see _snuff ¹ , _snivel

Example Sentences

A snuffling, wheezing sound came from the corner.

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Perhaps the cub sniffs and snuffles around looking for her, but it’s unlikely that the cub is frightened.

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Other days, the project manager will play with her pup at home or throw a few treats in a snuffle mat.

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Two matchboxes over, Beatrice snuffled in her sleep.

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There’s a snuffle from the bed, and I can tell he is crying.

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Related Words

• bark 
• growl 
• grunt 
• mumble 
• mutter