Sniffle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sniffle

[ˈsnɪf(ə)l ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

when having a cold

To sniff slightly or repeatedly, as from a head cold or in a situation where one is trying to hold back tears. Sniffling is often accompanied by a runny nose and a slight noise made by breathing in quickly through the nose.

Synonyms

blubber, sniff, snivel, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sniffle	Used when someone is quietly crying or has a minor cold, often accompanied by short, soft sniffs. She started to sniffle when she heard the sad news. He had a mild cold and was sniffling all day.
snivel	Used when someone is crying and whining in a way that can seem annoying or pitiful, often showing weakness or self-pity. Stop your sniveling and stand up for yourself! He would always snivel about his problems instead of facing them.
snuffle	Used when someone is having trouble breathing through the nose due to a cold or crying, often making a snuffling sound. He snuffled all night because of his stuffed nose. She started to snuffle as tears rolled down her face.
sniff	Used when someone is trying to hold back tears or just taking short, audible breaths through the nose, possibly due to a cold. She tried to keep her emotions in check, but a sniff escaped. He sniffed frequently because of his allergies.
blubber	Used when someone is crying in a loud and uncontrolled way, often considered childish or excessive. He began to blubber after falling off his bike. The child blubbered loudly when he didn't get his way.

Examples of usage

He sniffled and wiped his nose with a tissue.
She sniffled, trying to hide the fact that she was crying.
The child sat quietly, sniffling and looking miserable.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

sound made while sniffing

A sniffing sound made when someone is trying to hold back tears, clear their nose, or due to a cold. It is a soft, quick intake of breath through the nose, often accompanied by a slight noise.

Synonyms

sniff, snivel, snort, snuffle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sniffle	Used to describe the sound made when someone has a runny nose and is trying to clear it quietly, often due to a cold or crying. She had a bit of a sniffle, probably from the cold weather. You could hear his soft sniffles as he tried to hold back tears.
snivel	Has a negative connotation, often describes someone whining or crying in a weak, annoying way, with lots of sniffles and tears. Stop sniveling and stand up for yourself! He started to snivel when he was scolded.
snuffle	Used to describe the sound of someone breathing noisily through a partially blocked nose, often due to a cold. The baby had a slight snuffle and looked uncomfortable. Her snuffles could be heard throughout the night.
sniff	Used when someone is trying to smell something by drawing air through their nose or when someone is clearing their nose quietly. He took a sniff of the fresh flowers. After crying, she gave a little sniff and wiped her eyes.
snort	Used to describe a loud, harsh sound made by forcing air through the nose, often as a sign of laughter, anger, or contempt. He let out a snort of laughter at the joke. She snorted in disbelief at his excuse.

Examples of usage

She heard a sniffle from the next room.
His sniffles were audible even from across the table.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'sniffle'

The word 'sniffle' dates back to the early 18th century and is believed to be an imitative formation, reflecting the sound of a slight nasal intake. It is often associated with colds, allergies, or emotional responses. The act of sniffing repeatedly or holding back tears has been a common human behavior for centuries, and 'sniffle' captures the essence of this action.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,134, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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37131 bacchanalian
37132 drooled
37133 dreariest
37134 sniffle
37135 federalized
37136 gerrymander
37137 atypically
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