sniffer

noun

sniff·​er ˈsni-fər 

1

: one that sniffs: such as

a

: someone who sniffs a drug or other substance in order to become intoxicated

a cocaine/glue sniffer

b

or less commonly sniffer dog : a dog that is trained to recognize and follow scents especially for the purpose of locating people or contraband (such as illicit drugs and explosives)

2

informal : nose

Use your sniffer to detect unattractive or unhealthy odors.

—Susan DeBow

Examples of sniffer in a Sentence

Sniffers were brought in to search bags at the airport.

Recent Examples on the Web

Once the sniffer rats had mastered their contraband-detecting behaviors in a laboratory setting, researchers took them out into the real world for a trial run. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Oct. 2024

Cardamom, patchouli, turmeric, and coconut are at work to calm and center her sniffer before bed. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 17 Oct. 2024

This nose rest is easily adjustable for sniffers of all shapes and sizes. —Eric Bangeman, Ars Technica, 12 Sep. 2024

All visitors pass through airport-style metal detectors and security guards with sniffer dogs walked around the conference center. —Mike Corder, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1