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View synonyms for

sniff

[ snif ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to draw air through the nose in short, audible inhalations.
  2. to clear the nose by so doing; sniffle.
  3. to smell by short inhalations.
  4. to show disdain, contempt, etc., by or as by sniffing.


verb (used with object)

  1. to perceive by or as by smelling:

    to sniff a scandal.

  2. to inhale through the nose:

    to sniff the air.

noun

  1. an act of sniffing; a single, short, audible inhalation.
  2. the sound made by such an act.
  3. a scent or odor perceived:

    a sniff of perfume.

sniff

/ ɪ /

verb

  1. to inhale through the nose, usually in short rapid audible inspirations, as for the purpose of identifying a scent, for clearing a congested nasal passage, or for taking a drug or intoxicating fumes
  2. whenintr, often foll by at to perceive or attempt to perceive (a smell) by inhaling through the nose
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the act or sound of sniffing
  2. a smell perceived by sniffing, esp a faint scent
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈԾڴھԲ, nounadjective
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Other Word Forms

  • ԾڴiԲ· adverb
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sniff1

1300–50; Middle English; back formation from snivel
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Word History and Origins

Origin of sniff1

C14: probably related to snivelen to snivel
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Before long, Gaga’s version of her wicked queen sniffs out her prey.

From

But Parris came off after an hour, having struggled to implement England's press and having barely had a sniff at goal.

From

The rats are trained to sniff out chemicals that are found in landmines and other weapons abandoned on battlefields.

From

Some are allowing their dogs to sniff the material.

From

“Not every spy is to your flavor of monogamy,” Kathryn tells George when he organizes a dinner party to begin sniffing out the mole under false pretenses.

From

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