sniff

verb \ ˈsnif \

|Updated on: 10 Jul 2018

Examples: sniff in a Sentence

Definition of sniff

sniffed; sniffing; sniffs

intransitive verb

1 a : to inhale through the nose especially for smelling

sniffed at the flowers

b : to take air into the nose in short audible breaths

She sniffed and wiped her nose.

2 : to show or express disdain or scorn

3 : snoop, nose

sniffed around for clues

transitive verb

1 a : to get the odor or scent of (something) with the nose : smell

sniffed the freshly baked cookies

dogs sniffing the ground

b : to inhale (something) through the nose : snort

sniffing cocaine

2 : to utter contemptuously

3 : to recognize or detect (something) by or as if by smelling —usually used with out

sniff out trouble

See sniff defined for English-language learners

See sniff defined for kids

Examples of sniff in a Sentence

She sniffed and wiped her nose with a tissue.
She put perfume on her wrist and sniffed it.
The dog sniffed the carpet.
He held the flower up to his nose and sniffed.
“I guess you don't need my help,” she sniffed.

Recent Examples of sniff from the Web

One portion was flagged by Facebook’s hate-speech sniffing programs and blocked from publishing.

— kevin kelleher, Fortune, "Facebook Reportedly Apologizes After Flagging the Declaration of Independence as Hate Speech," 5 July 2018
In New York City, inspectors and two bedbug-sniffing beagles respond to complaints and issue violations to landlords.

— julia terruso, Philly.com, "Why Philly is a particularly bad place to get bedbugs," 5 July 2018
Test-sniffing Yankee Candles in the store isn't even fun.

— alyssa fiorentino, House Beautiful, "4 Reasons You Should Never Give Someone A Yankee Candle," 28 June 2018
Other powers are sniffing around: Turkey is funding mosques and civil society, and Russian flags have been flown at recent protests.

— The Economist, "The obstacles on Macedonia’s road to the EU," 28 June 2018
Jayda’s sniffing alerted officers to the contraband.

— natalie dreier, ajc, "Police K-9 makes $10 million drug bust," 26 June 2018
Strong starting pitching, a lights-out bullpen and timely hitting carried the Padres more than anything when five straight series wins had the team sniffing .500 earlier this month.

— jeff sanders, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Padres eager to finally pair Myers, Hosmer together," 21 June 2018
In his bed, Barry breathed hard, sniffing up the sweet alcohol of the Yamazaki in front of him.

— gary shteyngart, The New Yorker, "The Luck of Kokura," 18 June 2018
Lafont is considered one of Europe's most promising young goalkeepers, with plenty of clubs sniffing around following Toulouse's relegation from Ligue 1 last season.

— SI.com, "Crystal Palace Interested in Signing Long-Term Arsenal Target as Potential Goalkeeping Option," 9 June 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of sniff

Middle English

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

See Words from the same year

sniff Synonyms

Synonyms

nose, scent, smell, snuff, whiff;

Related Words

breathe, drink (in), inhale, respire;

snort, snuffle;

savor (also savour);

sniff

noun

Definition of sniff

1 : an act or sound of sniffing

2 : a quantity that is sniffed

See sniff defined for English-language learners

Examples of sniff in a Sentence

She said that she felt fine, but her sniffs and coughs told a different story.
“I refuse to answer that question,” she said with a sniff.
He wanted to avoid the slightest sniff of a scandal.
There was still a sniff of hope left for the team.

Recent Examples of sniff from the Web

Besides the Heat, no local pro team has had a sniff of playoff success in 15 years.

— dave hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde: 10 rules for fans to survive our dismal sports scene | Commentary," 23 June 2018
Morocco looked the dominant side for stretches during the game, but the Iran supporters erupted at any sniff of a scoring chance for their squad.

— danny mcdonald, BostonGlobe.com, "In Cambridge, World Cup brings a jubilant reprieve for local Iranians," 16 June 2018
To conduct a lawful search at checkpoints, agents must have probable cause developed from agent observations, records checks, canine sniffs and other methods, the agency says on its website.

— catherine e. shoichet, CNN, "The US border is bigger than you think," 23 May 2018
Each piece of greenery and petal is so carefully rendered that you’d be forgiven for leaning in for a sniff.

— joanna linberg, Sunset, "11 Pretty & Practical Vanity Table Accessories," 22 Jan. 2018
Slight scarring around the stem can indicate sweetness, as can a strong scent in the same spot, so get ready to give it a sniff.

— meghan overdeep, Southern Living, "How to Pick the Perfect Melon," 3 June 2018
Well, this summer, the U.S. Postal Service might give you a reason, with their first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps.

— ben meyerson, RedEye Chicago, "An underwater hotel room, a 'Men in Black' spinoff and more conversation starters for your weekend," 1 June 2018
Remember the scratch-and-sniff stickers that were all the rage in the ‘80s and ‘90s?

— natasha bach, Fortune, "The U.S. Postal Service Is Giving Us the Scratch-and-Sniff Stamps We Never Asked For," 22 May 2018
According to a press release, this summer the United States Postal Service will release its first-ever collection of scratch-and-sniff stamps.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "USPS to release first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps, and they’re dessert-themed," 21 May 2018

First Known Use of sniff

1767

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

sniff Synonyms

Synonyms

aroma, odor, redolence, scent, smell;

Related Words

whiff;

bouquet, fragrance, fragrancy, perfume;

ambrosia, lusciousness, savor (also savour), savoriness, spice, tang;

acridness, fetidness, foulness, gaminess, noisomeness, rancidity, rankness, reek, stench, stink;

SNIFF Defined for English Language Learners

sniff

verb

Definition of sniff for English Language Learners

: to take air into your nose in short breaths that are loud enough to be heard
: to smell (something or someone) by putting your nose close to it and taking air in through your nose in short breaths
: to take (something, such as fumes or a drug) into your body by inhaling it through your nose in order to get intoxicated

sniff

noun

Definition of sniff for English Language Learners

: an act or the sound of drawing air into the nose especially in order to smell something or because you are sick or have been crying
: an expression of dislike or disapproval
: a small amount or sign of something