sniff
Sniff (verb) means to inhale audibly through the nose, often to smell something. Example: “The dog sniffed the ground, following the scent.”
How to use sniff
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, noticeable inhale through the nose — or, more loosely, showing disdain toward something.
Word forms
sniffed past tense, sniffs plural, sniffs singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The dog _____ the ground, following the scent.
Etymology
From Middle English sniffen, thought to imitate the sound of the action.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sniff
See all rhymes for 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.
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