snuff

noun (1)

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\ ˈsnəf

Definition of snuff

(Entry 1 of 6)

1 : the charred part of a candlewick

2a obsolete : umbrage, offense

b chiefly Scotland : huff

snuff

verb (1)

snuffed; snuffing; snuffs

Definition of snuff (Entry 2 of 6)

transitive verb

1 : to crop the snuff of (a candle) by pinching or by the use of snuffers so as to brighten the light

2a : to extinguish by or as if by the use of a candlesnuffer —often used with out

b : to make extinct : put an end to —usually used with out snuffed out their hopes also : kill, execute snuffed the bad guys

snuff it

British

: die

snuff

adjective

Definition of snuff (Entry 3 of 6)

: characterized by the sensationalistic depiction of violence especially : featuring a real rather than a staged murder snuff movies

snuff

verb (2)

snuffed; snuffing; snuffs

Definition of snuff (Entry 4 of 6)

transitive verb

1 : to draw forcibly through or into the nostrils

2 : scent, smell

3 : to sniff at in order to examine —used of an animal

intransitive verb

1 : to inhale through the nose noisily and forcibly also : to sniff or smell inquiringly

2 obsolete : to sniff loudly in or as if in disgust

3 : to take snuff

snuff

noun (2)

Definition of snuff (Entry 5 of 6)

: the act of snuffing : sniff

snuff

noun (3)

Definition of snuff (Entry 6 of 6)

1 : a preparation of pulverized tobacco to be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or placed against the gums

2 : the amount of snuff taken at one time

up to snuff

: of sufficient quality : meeting an applicable standard

First Known Use of snuff

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1971, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

1527, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun (2)

1568, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1650, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for snuff

Noun (1)

Middle English snoffe

Verb (2)

akin to Dutch snuffen to sniff, snuff — more at snivel

Noun (3)

Dutch snuf, short for snuftabak, from snuffen to snuff + tabak tobacco

Learn More About snuff

Dictionary Entries Near snuff

snudge

snuff

snuff bottle

Statistics for snuff

Cite this Entry

“Snuff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snuff. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for snuff

snuff

noun

\ ˈsnəf

Kids Definition of snuff

(Entry 1 of 3)

: powdered tobacco that is chewed, placed against the gums, or drawn in through the nostrils

snuff

verb

snuffed; snuffing

Kids Definition of snuff (Entry 2 of 3)

: to draw through or into the nose with force

snuff

verb

snuffed; snuffing

Kids Definition of snuff (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : to cut or pinch off the burned end of the wick of a candle

2 : to put an end to

snuff

noun

\ ˈsnəf

Medical Definition of snuff

: a preparation of pulverized tobacco to be inhaled through the nostrils, chewed, or placed against the gums also : a preparation of a powdered drug to be inhaled through the nostrils

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snuff

Definition of snuff

First Known Use of snuff

History and Etymology for snuff

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Kids Definition of snuff

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snuff

Definition of snuff

Phrases Containing snuff

First Known Use of snuff

History and Etymology for snuff

Learn More About snuff

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

This History of 'Up to Snuff' is Up to Snuff

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Medical Definition of snuff

WORD OF THE DAY

galumph

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