snuffle
snuffle Lexical Profile
snuffle Game Scores & Validity
• noun
An act or sound of sniffing or breathing noisily through a partially obstructed or runny nose.
"The quiet classroom was punctuated by the occasional cough and snuffle during flu season."
A mild respiratory infection or head cold characterized by nasal congestion and a runny nose (usually used in the plural as 'the snuffles').
"Half the children in the nursery stayed home with the snuffles this week."
• verb
To breathe noisily or with difficulty through a clogged or runny nose, as when crying or suffering from a cold.
"The little boy snuffled into his sleeve as he tried to hold back his tears."
To sniff repeatedly and audibly when investigating a scent or foraging (especially of an animal).
"The hedgehog snuffled through the fallen autumn leaves in search of beetles."
To speak with an indistinct, nasal, or whining tone.
"He snuffled an apology through his handkerchief before excusing himself from the table."
• Rhymes for snuffle
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the late 16th century, 'snuffle' is of Low German or Dutch origin (compare Dutch snuffelen), formed as a frequentative of the root meaning 'to snuff' or breathe through the nose.