Sniff: meaning, definitions and examples

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sniff

[snɪf ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To inhale air audibly through the nose in a single quick breath, especially to express contempt or disapproval.

Synonyms

snort, snuff, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sniff	Can also imply being slightly disdainful or critical when used in social interactions. She sniffed at his suggestion, clearly unimpressed
snuffle	Usually describes the act of making sniffing sounds repeatedly due to a cold or stuffy nose. It’s often used playfully or describing animals. The child snuffled miserably through his cold The dog snuffled around the yard, searching for something
snort	Often used when describing a loud inhalation or exhalation through the nose, typically related to laughter, animals, or in some cases, the inhalation of drugs. He snorted with laughter at the joke The horse snorted and pawed the ground He was caught snorting cocaine
snuff	Used when describing the act of extinguishing a candle flame, or in a negative context, slang for killing someone. It can also refer to inhaling a powdered form of tobacco through the nose. She snuffed out the candle before going to bed He was involved in a snuff film, which means an illegal recording of someone being killed He likes to snuff tobacco as a habit

Examples of usage

He sniffed loudly and turned away in disgust.
She sniffed at the food before cautiously taking a bite.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

action

An act or sound of sniffing.

Synonyms

snort, snuff, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sniff	This term is sometimes used for short, audible inhalations when someone is emotional or has a cold. During the sad movie, I could hear her sniff every once in a while. He kept sniffing because of his allergies.
snuffle	This is used to describe someone breathing noisily, often because of a cold or other nasal obstruction. It can sound like a mix between sniff and snort. The dog snuffled around looking for food. He could hear the child snuffling in her sleep.
snort	This generally refers to a forceful sound made through the nose, which can be from laughter, irritation, anger, or inhaling substances illicitly. This word can often carry a negative connotation. He snorted with laughter at the joke. She snorted in disgust at the rude comment. They were caught snorting drugs.
snuff	Typically used to refer to inhaling ground tobacco, or it can mean to extinguish a flame or end something abruptly. He took a snuff from his small box. She snuffed out the candle before leaving the room. The event was snuffed out by unexpected rain.

Examples of usage

I heard a sniff from the next room.
She let out a small sniff as she tried to hold back tears.

Translations

Translations of the word "sniff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cheirar

🇮🇳 सूँघना

🇩🇪 schnüffeln

🇮🇩 mencium

🇺🇦 нюхати

🇵🇱 wąchać

🇯🇵 嗅ぐ (かぐ)

🇫🇷 renifler

🇪🇸 oler

🇹🇷 koklamak

🇰🇷 냄새를 맡다

🇸🇦 شم

🇨🇿 čichat

🇸🇰 čuchať

🇨🇳 闻 (wén)

🇸🇮 vohati

🇮🇸 þefa

🇰🇿 иіскеу

🇬🇪 ყნოსვა

🇦🇿 iyləmək

🇲🇽 oler

Etymology

The word 'sniff' originated in Middle English, probably imitative of the sound of air being quickly inhaled through the nose. It has been used in English since the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,383, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
20380 impounded
20381 sonata
20382 loosed
20383 sniff
20384 sultry
20385 pathophysiology
20386 inimitable
...