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

Police, firefighters and crews from India’s disaster response agency continued their search for a second day as earthmovers cleared debris and sniffer dogs worked the site to help rescuers reach those still trapped inside. — ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026

Governments in the region launched a massive response, including traps, sniffer dogs, drone surveillance and most importantly, sterile flies. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 2026

The notorious crouching sniffer known throughout Glendale and Burbank is arrested again. — Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

In cities such as Cali and Pereira, emergency crews worked through a third night with their bare hands, cranes and sniffer dogs, stopping not to rest but to listen for signs of life. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sniffer

• differ
• stiffer