sniff
sniff Lexical Profile
sniff Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act or sound of drawing in air audibly through the nose, typically to smell something or to stop one's nose from running.
"She took a deep sniff of the freshly brewed coffee before taking her first sip."
A slight trace, hint, or indication of something.
"At the first sniff of controversy, the sponsors withdrew their financial support."
An audible inhalation through the nose made as an expression of scorn, disdain, or skepticism.
"He dismissed the unconventional proposal with a haughty sniff."
• verb
To draw in air audibly through the nose in order to detect a smell, to clear the nasal passages, or while crying.
"The dog began to sniff eagerly around the base of the oak tree."
To say something or react in a way that shows contempt, disdain, or resentment, accompanied by a sharp inhalation through the nose.
"The critic sniffed at the idea that popular fiction could have lasting literary merit."
To perceive, detect, or sense something incipient or hidden through intuition or investigation.
"Seasoned journalists can quickly sniff a potential cover-up."
• Rhymes for sniff
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in Middle English as 'sniffen', the word is of imitative origin, mimicking the sharp sound of drawing air through the nostrils, and is closely related to 'snuff' and 'snivel'.