whiff
noun
a trace or hint.
whiffs
-
present tense formof whiff (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Result: whiffs of the paper-clip maximizer, an ancient AI thought experiment in which a computer ends up consuming all planetary resources pursuant to its instruction to make paper clips.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026
Despite those whiffs of corruption, the deal could let the Department of Defense acquire shares in NABEP, the Wall Street Journal reports.
From Slate ● Aug. 31, 2026
In referencing punk culture, Gyllenhaal whiffs her mark, which is somehow even more punk.
From Salon ● Mar. 8, 2026
He had gotten whiffs on each of the first 11 non-fastballs he threw.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2025
She took good long whiffs of the wonderful essence of detergent and clean dacron-cotton which floated down with the petticoat.
From "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg
