sniffle

1 of 2

verb

snif·​fle ˈsni-fəl How to pronounce sniffle (audio)
sniffled; sniffling ˈsni-f(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce sniffle (audio)

intransitive verb

1
: to sniff repeatedly : snuffle
2
: to speak with or as if with sniffling
sniffler 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. “In your family's eyes,” she sniffled, “I'm not good enough.” Noun He couldn't stop his sniffles.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Consider nasal sprays or other medications: Steroid sprays can reduce inflammation in your nose, and antihistamines help stop sneezing, sniffling, and itching. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 22 Oct. 2024 Figuring out whether symptoms like sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and a sore throat are from cold or allergies can be tricky. Lauren Schlanger, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024
Noun
Cold weather is coming soon, so keep sniffles (and dry skin) at bay with a humidifier from Vitruvi. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 9 Oct. 2024 In anticipation of the upcoming season of sniffles, Kaiser Permanente, other health care providers, and pharmacies around the country have been promoting the vaccines now that both annual formulations are available. Harriet Blair Rowan, The Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sniffle 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sniffle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of sniffle was in 1632

Dictionary Entries Near sniffle

Cite this Entry

“Sniffle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sniffle. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

sniffle

1 of 2 verb
snif·​fle ˈsnif-əl How to pronounce sniffle (audio)
sniffled; sniffling -(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce sniffle (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on sniffle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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