sneeze

1 of 2

verb

ˈsnēz 

sneezed; sneezing

intransitive verb

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

sneezer noun

see also:

sneeze at

sneeze

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of sneezing

Examples of sneeze in a Sentence

Verb

She was constantly sneezing and coughing.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield is within sneezing distance of hitting 5% for the first time since October 2023 – and just a bit further off from reaching its highest rate since July 2007. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026

Measles can spread through the air when a person coughs or sneezes. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

Late April is when the trees’ flowers cover the city with their white fur, appearing on tables, on floors, and under beds, making people blink, sneeze, and curse. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

When bracing for back-to-school chaos, parents quickly learn to expect at least one cough, sneeze, or sniffle by September 30, or thereabouts. — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English snesen, alteration of fnesen, from Old English fnēosan; akin to Middle High German pfnūsen to snort, sneeze, Greek pnein to breathe

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1646, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sneeze

• nothing to sneeze at
• sneeze at

Rhymes for sneeze

• bees
• bes
• breeze
• cheese
• crees
• crise
• deas
• dees
• ease
• fees
• fleas
• flees

Kids Definition

sneeze

verb

ˈsnēz

sneezed; sneezing

: to force the breath out through the nose or mouth in a sudden violent noisy action

sneeze noun

sneezer noun

Medical Definition

sneeze

1 of 2 intransitive verb

ˈsnēz 

sneezed; sneezing

: 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

sneeze

2 of 2 noun

: an act or instance of sneezing