the sniffles
plural noun
informal
: a slight or mild cold that causes a person to sniffle a lot
I have (a case of) the sniffles.
Examples of the sniffles in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When someone in your household has the sniffles, Rapinchuk recommends washing your bedding more often and switching out pillowcases nightly.
—
Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Some people get the sniffles and stay home from work.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Last but not least, the hypoallergenic, breathable cotton cover is the finishing touch to help sleepers rest cooler and avoid the sniffles.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2025
But that quiet is slowly being filled with stories about you and laughter amongst the sniffles.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Apple Cider Hot Toddy A hot toddy is a comforting drink when the sniffles hit or at the end of a long day.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
But that quiet is slowly being filled with stories about you and laughter amongst the sniffles.
—Michelle Tauber, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
The family was supposed to attend a wedding, and Grace had the sniffles.
—Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 3 June 2025
That means there is no rule preventing athletes from training or competing, just as there isn’t anything from stopping someone with the sniffles or a stuffy nose.
—Alice Park / Paris, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
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Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 26 Feb. 2026
Some people get the sniffles and stay home from work.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
Last but not least, the hypoallergenic, breathable cotton cover is the finishing touch to help sleepers rest cooler and avoid the sniffles.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 4 Nov. 2025
But that quiet is slowly being filled with stories about you and laughter amongst the sniffles.
—Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Oct. 2025
Apple Cider Hot Toddy A hot toddy is a comforting drink when the sniffles hit or at the end of a long day.
—Kylie Petty, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Oct. 2025
But that quiet is slowly being filled with stories about you and laughter amongst the sniffles.
—Michelle Tauber, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2025
The family was supposed to attend a wedding, and Grace had the sniffles.
—Jessica Van Egeren, jsonline.com, 3 June 2025
That means there is no rule preventing athletes from training or competing, just as there isn’t anything from stopping someone with the sniffles or a stuffy nose.
—Alice Park / Paris, TIME, 1 Aug. 2024
Cite this Entry
“The sniffles.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20sniffles. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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