sniff

//snɪf//
B1Frequency Level 9Neutral
Visual representation of sniff

Verb

sniffInfinitive
sniffPresent tense
sniffedPast tense
sniffedPast participle
sniffingPresent participle
sniffsThird-person singular
1

To draw air audibly through the nose, especially to detect a smell or as a result of crying or having a cold.

The dog sniffed the air to catch the scent.

2

To smell something by drawing air through the nose.

The dog sniffed the flowers in the garden.

3

To express contempt or disdain by making a short audible inhalation through the nose.

She sniffed at his suggestion and walked away.

Noun

1

An act or sound of drawing air through the nose.

She gave a loud sniff and wiped her nose.

2

A small amount of air or a substance inhaled through the nose.

She took a sniff of the fresh coffee.

Synonym