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Definition of sniffle

sniffle

/ˈsnɪf.əl/
snif · fle
Plural:sniffles
•
Adjective:sniffling
•
Past Simple:sniffled
•
Past Participle:sniffled
•
Present Participle:sniffling
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sniffle Lexical Profile

sniffle Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An act or sound of drawing air up the nose audibly, typically due to crying or nasal congestion.

Example

"The quiet room was broken only by the occasional sniffle from the back row during the emotional play."

2

A mild head cold or minor respiratory ailment characterized by a runny nose (usually used in the plural as 'the sniffles').

Example

"Many children come home from school with the sniffles during the first weeks of autumn."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sniffle

• verb

1

To inhale repeatedly and audibly through the nose, typically to keep mucus from running due to a cold or crying.

Example

"He began to sniffle as the chilly wind made his nose run."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sniffle

• Rhymes for sniffle

• Nearby Words

snideness
sniff
sniffer
sniffle
sniffler
sniffles
sniffly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 17th century from the verb 'sniff' combined with the frequentative suffix '-le', indicating a light, repeated action.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sniffle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sniffle
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