sniff

1 of 2

verb

ˈsnif 

sniffed; sniffing; sniffs

intransitive verb

1

a

: to inhale through the nose especially for smelling

sniffed at the flowers

b

: to take air into the nose in short audible breaths

She sniffed and wiped her nose.

2

: to show or express disdain or scorn

3

: snoop, nose

sniffed around for clues

transitive verb

1

a

: to get the odor or scent of (something) with the nose : smell

sniffed the freshly baked cookies

dogs sniffing the ground

b

: to inhale (something) through the nose : snort

sniffing cocaine

2

: to utter contemptuously

3

: to recognize or detect (something) by or as if by smelling

—usually used with out

sniff out trouble

sniff

2 of 2

noun

1

: an act or sound of sniffing

2

: a quantity that is sniffed

Synonyms

Verb

• nose
• scent
• smell
• snuff
• whiff

Noun

• aroma
• odor
• redolence
• scent
• smell

Examples of sniff in a Sentence

Verb

She sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue.

She put perfume on her wrist and sniffed it.

The dog sniffed the carpet.

He held the flower up to his nose and sniffed.

“I guess you don't need my help,” she sniffed.

Noun

She said that she felt fine, but her sniffs and coughs told a different story.

“I refuse to answer that question,” she said with a sniff.

He wanted to avoid the slightest sniff of a scandal.

There was still a sniff of hope left for the team.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

After BLINKs sniffed out a possible Valentine’s Day surprise two weeks ago when BLACKPINK’S JISOO shared a cryptic teaser hinting at a mystery project coming in February, the singer confirmed their suspicions on Sunday (Jan. 26). —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2025

Since the voting results were revealed Tuesday, social media has been aflame with angry fans, including some demanding to sniff out the identity of the one voter. —Kimmy Yam, NBC News, 23 Jan. 2025

Noun

These sweats can stand up to a long travel day, a workout, and a lounging session and still pass the sniff test. —Matthew Medendorp, Travel + Leisure, 28 Jan. 2025

Other than a five-second span late in the game, the Canucks did not get a sniff of the Canadiens net with Dach and Newhook on at five-on-five the entire night. —Arpon Basu, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sniff

• nothing to sniff at
• sniff around/round
• sniff at

Kids Definition

sniff

1 of 2 verb

ˈsnif 

1

: to draw air into the nose in short breaths loud enough to be heard

sniffed at the cheese

2

: to show or express scorn

sniffed at simple jobs

3

: to smell or inhale by taking short breaths

sniff perfume

4

: to detect by or as if by smelling

sniff out trouble

sniffer noun

sniff

2 of 2 noun

1

: the act or sound of sniffing

2

: an odor or amount sniffed