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whiff
1[ wif, hwif ]
/ wɪf, ʰwɪf /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
QUIZ
TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS
Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”
Question 1 of 7
What does "dignity" mean?
Origin of whiff
1First recorded in 1600–10; origin uncertain; perhaps a variant of Middle English noun wef, wef(f)e “bad smell, stench”
OTHER WORDS FROM whiff
whiff·er, nounWords nearby whiff
which way the wind blows, whicker, whid, whidah, Whidbey Island, whiff, whiffet, whiffle, whiffler, whiffletree, whiffy
Other definitions for whiff (2 of 2)
whiff2
[ wif, hwif ]
/ wɪf, ʰwɪf /
noun
any of several flatfishes having both eyes on the left side of the head, of the genus Citharichthys, as C. cornutus(horned whiff ), inhabiting Atlantic waters from New England to Brazil.
Compare left-eyed flounder.
Origin of whiff
2First recorded in 1705–15; origin uncertain
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use whiff in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for whiff (1 of 2)
whiff1
/ (wɪf) /
noun
a passing odour
a brief gentle gust of air
a single inhalation or exhalation from the mouth or nose
verb
Derived forms of whiff
whiffer, nounWord Origin for whiff
C16: of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for whiff (2 of 2)
whiff2
/ (wɪf) /
noun
mainly British a narrow clinker-built skiff having outriggers, for one oarsman
Word Origin for whiff
C19: special use of whiff 1
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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