sneeze

1 of 2

verb

ˈsnēz 

sneezed; sneezing

intransitive verb

: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act

sneezer noun

sneeze

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of sneezing

Phrases

sneeze at

informal : to make light of

—always used in negative statements to indicate something that is important or deserves attention

… a red ribbon for second place is not to be sneezed at or scorned.

—Richard Peck

Perquisites and severance pay are nothing to sneeze at [=are significant]

Examples of sneeze in a Sentence

Verb

She was constantly sneezing and coughing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, skin irritation, burning eyes, and respiratory problems are common, per a 2022 journal study. —Korin Miller, Outside Online, 27 Aug. 2024

Kid Koala, born Eric San, emerged in the mid-1990s as a scratcher with mad turntable skills and a knack for incorporating odd musical samples (everything from Charlie Brown TV special snippets to comedy routines to people sneezing) to grand effect. —Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024

Noun

Thing looks like a sneeze played back in ultra slow-mo. —Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 16 Aug. 2024

Coughs and sneezes create respiratory droplets that can be full of viruses or bacteria. —Libby Richards, The Conversation, 9 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snesen, alteration of fnesen, from Old English fnēosan; akin to Middle High German pfnūsen to snort, sneeze, Greek pnein to breathe

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sneeze

• nothing to sneeze at
• sneeze at

Kids Definition

sneeze

verb

ˈsnēz

sneezed; sneezing

: to force the breath out through the nose or mouth in a sudden violent noisy action

sneeze noun

sneezer noun

Medical Definition

sneeze

1 of 2 intransitive verb

ˈsnēz 

sneezed; sneezing

: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act following irritation of the nasal mucous membrane

sneeze

2 of 2 noun

: an act or instance of sneezing