whiff

¹whiff

noun \ˈhwif, ˈwif\

Definition of WHIFF

1

a : a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray

b : an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke

c : a slight puffing or whistling sound

2

: a slight trace or indication <a whiff of scandal>

3

: strikeout

Examples of WHIFF

1. I got a whiff of new paint when I entered the room.
2. I detected a whiff of sarcasm in her voice.
3. The pitcher had eight whiffs during the game.

Origin of WHIFF

imitative

First Known Use: 1591

Related to WHIFF

Synonyms

breath, flicker, glimmer, suggestion, tang, touch, trace, hint

Related Words

inkling, intimation, scent, wind; evidence, indication, mark, sign

Near Antonyms

permeation, pervasion, saturation

Rhymes with WHIFF

biff, cliff, diff, glyph, if, iff, jiff, miff, quiff, riff, skiff, sniff, spiff, spliff, stiff, syph, tiff

²whiff

verb

Definition of WHIFF

intransitive verb

1

: to move with or as if with a puff of air

2

: to emit whiffs : puff

3

: to inhale an odor

4

: strike out 3

transitive verb

1

a : to carry or convey by or as if by a whiff : blow

b : to expel or puff out in a whiff : exhale

c : smoke 3

2

: fan 8 <whiffed three batters>

Examples of WHIFF

1. He whiffed a strong odor of perfume.
2. The golfer nearly whiffed the shot.
3. The golfer nearly whiffed on the shot.

First Known Use of WHIFF

1591

Related to WHIFF

Synonyms

nose, scent, sniff, snuff, smell

Related Words

breathe, drink (in), inhale, respire; snort, snuffle; savor (also savour)