sneeze

verb

\ ˈsnēz

sneezed; sneezing

Definition of sneeze

(Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act

sneeze at

informal : to make light of —always used in negative statements to indicate something that is important or deserves attention …a red ribbon for second place is not to be sneezed at or scorned.— Richard Peck Perquisites and severance pay are nothing to sneeze at [=are significant]

sneeze

noun

Definition of sneeze (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act or instance of sneezing

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Examples of sneeze in a Sentence

Verb

She was constantly sneezing and coughing.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

However, at the time, Forbes estimated his value climbing to $800 million, which isn’t a figure to sneeze at. — Nardine Saad, latimes.com, "Jay-Z has amassed a billion-dollar fortune that unseats Dr. Dre," 3 June 2019 While the jury is still out on exactly how far germs can spread through the air, the CDC says that viruses like the flu can travel 6 feet as people cough, sneeze, and talk. — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, "These 7 Things at Your Office Are Especially Germy," 22 Feb. 2019 And science says don't sneeze into your dang hands. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "It’s 2019: How Are People Still Not Sneezing the Right Way?!?," 8 Feb. 2019 The discount for that tier is 10 percent, which is nothing to sneeze at, and it's being offered during the same timeframe as VIB members: May 2 to 6. — Alexis Rhiannon, Allure, "Sephora's Spring Bonus Sale Offers VIB Rouge Members Serious Savings," 12 Apr. 2019 People’s sneezing tendencies can be almost as individual as their fingerprints. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Quick Question: Why Do We Sneeze?," 8 Mar. 2019 The real problem, though, is that people don't know where to sneeze. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "It’s 2019: How Are People Still Not Sneezing the Right Way?!?," 8 Feb. 2019 If your dog is sneezing or coughing, his or her appearance at a dog show, grooming session, dog park or training class is a no-no. — Howard Cohen, miamiherald, "Don’t just worry about your kids. Your dog — or cat — can get the flu, too.," 1 Feb. 2018 In other words, holding in a sneeze is nothing to sneeze at. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Beware a bottled booger blast—they can blow up your throat, doctors warn," 16 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

At a recent trip to the Mütter Museum, Gragossian heard someone down the hall sneeze. — Aneri Pattani, https://www.inquirer.com, "Organ transplant recipients balance guilt and gratitude: 'These were supposed to be her breaths’," 5 June 2019 To maintain a sneeze-free atmosphere, keep the windows shut. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "The Definitive Guide to Surviving Allergy Season," 22 Mar. 2019 Each uncovered sneeze can spread viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens more than 20 feet away, according to MIT research, but those same germs can pass from your fingers and palms to doorknobs, desks, and handrails. — Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, "It’s 2019: How Are People Still Not Sneezing the Right Way?!?," 8 Feb. 2019 Even if a coworker is sick, can’t (or won’t) stay home, and is doing the polite thing of covering their coughs and sneezes, their germs are still spreading. — Colleen Stinchcombe, SELF, "These 7 Things at Your Office Are Especially Germy," 22 Feb. 2019 Morrow probably wasn’t aware of the Cubs’ bizarre history of injuries, which included Sammy Sosa famously sneezing his way onto the disabled list in 2004, suffering an oblique injury with a ginormous sneeze in the clubhouse in San Diego. — Paul Sullivan, chicagotribune.com, "Brandon Morrow not fretting over people mocking his back injury," 20 June 2018 Pancakes with various fillings cooked in front mall hallway without sneeze guards. — Lorraine Longhi, azcentral, "Chicken, tuna salad and other foods too hot or too cold in restaurant inspections," 13 June 2018 While the lucky guests at the royal wedding were taking in the beauty of the day, James Corden was focused on not letting a sneeze ruin a quiet moment. — Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE.com, "James Corden Was Battling Allergies at the Royal Wedding: I 'Needed to Sneeze' During Ceremony," 22 May 2018 Just a sneeze could cause his ribs to break, Alma Cabacungan said. — Caitlin Mullen, chicagotribune.com, "'He brings a smile to everyone he meets': Basketball court at Shriners Hospital named in honor of Oak Parker," 22 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sneeze.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Statistics for sneeze

Last Updated

15 Jun 2019

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Time Traveler for sneeze

The first known use of sneeze was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for sneeze

sneeze

verb

English Language Learners Definition of sneeze

: to suddenly force air out through your nose and mouth with a usually loud noise because your body is reacting to dust, a sickness, etc.

See the full definition for sneeze in the English Language Learners Dictionary

sneeze

verb

\ ˈsnēz

sneezed; sneezing

Kids Definition of sneeze

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to force the breath out in a sudden and noisy way

sneeze

noun

Kids Definition of sneeze (Entry 2 of 2)

: an act or instance of sneezing

sneeze

intransitive verb

\ ˈsnēz

sneezed; sneezing

Medical Definition of sneeze

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act following irritation of the nasal mucous membrane