sniff
3 synonyms for sniff, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To inhale audibly through the nose, often to smell something.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To inhale audibly through the nose, often to smell something.
“The dog sniffed the ground, following the scent.”
2. noun
An act of sniffing, or a small hint of something.
“She caught a sniff of smoke in the hallway.”
How to use sniff
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
sniff the air
sniff at
a sniff of scandal
Etymology
From Middle English sniffen, thought to imitate the sound of the action.
Full origin of sniff →Frequently asked questions
What does “sniff” mean?
The word “sniff” means to inhale audibly through the nose, often to smell something. In plain terms, a short, noticeable inhale through the nose — or, more loosely, showing disdain toward something.
How do you pronounce “sniff”?
“Sniff” is pronounced snihf (/snɪf/ in IPA).
How do you use “sniff” in a sentence?
Here is “sniff” used in a sentence: “The dog sniffed the ground, following the scent.”
What part of speech is “sniff”?
Depending on how it is used, “sniff” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “sniff” come from?
The word “sniff” comes from Middle English. From Middle English sniffen, thought to imitate the sound of the action.
Is “sniff” a common word?
“Sniff” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “sniff” have?
“Sniff” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to inhale audibly through the nose, often to smell something.
