sniffle

1 of 2

verb

snif·​fle ˈsni-fəl 

sniffled; sniffling ˈsni-f(ə-)liŋ 

intransitive verb

1

: to sniff repeatedly : snuffle

2

: to speak with or as if with sniffling

sniffler

ˈsni-f(ə-)lər 

noun

sniffle

2 of 2

noun

1

sniffles plural : a head cold marked by nasal discharge

2

: an act or sound of sniffling

Examples of sniffle in a Sentence

Verb

The children have been sniffling for a week now.

Noun

He couldn't stop his sniffles.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Flynn appeared emotional, wiping tears and sniffling as both the prosecution and defense delivered their closing arguments. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 29 Sep. 2026

Pino’s supporters sighed and sniffled when the verdict was announced. — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 23 June 2026

Noun

My public screening was awash — nearly literally — with sniffles and sobs. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

In this guide, a plant pro shares her best tips on how to get rid of ragweed without chemicals and reduce those seasonal sniffles for good. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

frequentative of sniff

First Known Use

Verb

1632, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sniffle

• riffle

Kids Definition

sniffle

1 of 2 verb

snif·​fle ˈsnif-əl 

sniffled; sniffling -(ə-)liŋ 

1

: to sniff repeatedly

2

: to speak with or as if with sniffling

sniffle

2 of 2 noun

1

plural : a common cold in which the main symptom is a runny nose

2

: an act or sound of sniffling