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

It is spread via respiratory droplets, which are emitted when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

The most common symptoms reported were itchy or watery eyes (33%), headache (30%), dry cough (27%), sneezing (26%) and sore throat (23%). —Colleen E. Reid, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2025

Noun

What to like Shooting efficiency is nothing to sneeze at… The ability to score effectively from every inch on the court is what separates New York from a lot of teams. —James L. Edwards Iii, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025

These are perfect conditions for TB to flourish — the tuberculosis bacteria spreads through the air, traveling on a cough, sneeze, spittle, or even a laugh. —Gabrielle Emanuel, NPR, 3 Jan. 2025

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