whiff
1[ hwif, wif ]
/ ʰwɪf, wɪf /
noun
verb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
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What Does “Musty” Literally Smell Like?The common cholesterol drug Lipitor was recently subject to a recall due to reports from consumers about a “musty” odor associated with the bottles. We aren’t interested in the drug — this post concerns stink, stench, aroma. Smell may be the hardest sense to describe in words, which is why we are eager to take a whiff. The sense of smell is known as olfaction …
Nearby words
whichway, whicker, whid, whidah, whidbey island, whiff, whiffet, whiffle, whiffler, whiffletree, whiffy
Origin of whiff
11585–95; aspirated variant of Middle English weffe whiff (of steam or vapor)
Related forms
whiff·er, nounDefinition for whiff (2 of 2)
whiff
2[ hwif, wif ]
/ ʰwɪf, wɪf /
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. 2019
Examples from the Web for whiff
British Dictionary definitions for whiff (1 of 2)
whiff
1/ (wɪf) /
noun
a passing odour
a brief gentle gust of air
a single inhalation or exhalation from the mouth or nose
verb
Derived Forms
whiffer, nounWord Origin for whiff
C16: of imitative origin
British Dictionary definitions for whiff (2 of 2)
whiff
2/ (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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