Sniffer: meaning, definitions and examples
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sniffer
[ ˈsnɪfər ]
security
A device or program used to detect unauthorized access to a network or computer system.
Synonyms
network analyzer, network monitor, packet sniffer
Examples of usage
- The company installed a sniffer to monitor network traffic.
- The sniffer detected a potential security breach.
informal
A person who detects or identifies something, especially a person who identifies fraudulent activities.
Synonyms
detective, investigator, spotter
Examples of usage
- He is known as the office sniffer for always uncovering office gossip.
- The sniffer quickly identified the counterfeit bills.
slang
A dog trained to detect certain odors, especially in police work or search and rescue missions.
Synonyms
K9 unit, detection dog, scent dog
Examples of usage
- The sniffer dog helped the police find the missing person.
- The airport employs sniffer dogs to detect drugs and explosives.
Translations
Translations of the word "sniffer" in other languages:
🇵🇹 farejador
🇮🇳 सूंघने वाला
🇩🇪 Schnüffler
🇮🇩 pengendus
🇺🇦 нюхач
🇵🇱 węszyciel
🇯🇵 スニファー
🇫🇷 renifleur
🇪🇸 olfateador
🇹🇷 koklayıcı
🇰🇷 후각 탐지기
🇸🇦 مستنشق
🇨🇿 čichač
🇸🇰 čuchač
🇨🇳 嗅探器
🇸🇮 vohljač
🇮🇸 þefari
🇰🇿 иіскегіш
🇬🇪 მყნოსავი
🇦🇿 iyləyici
🇲🇽 olfateador
Word origin
The word 'sniffer' originated from the verb 'sniff', which dates back to the late 14th century. The sense of 'sniffer' as a device for detecting unauthorized access to a network or computer system emerged in the 1980s with the rise of computer technology. The informal usage of 'sniffer' to refer to a person who identifies something, especially fraud, has been around since the early 20th century. The slang meaning of 'sniffer' as a dog trained to detect odors in police work or search and rescue missions became popular in the 1960s.