sniff

[snɪf]

sniff Definition

  • 1to breathe air in through your nose in order to discover or enjoy the smell of something
  • 2to make a short sound through your nose, especially because you are crying or because you have a cold

Using sniff: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sniff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She sniffed the flowers to enjoy their fragrance.

  • Example

    He sniffed and wiped his nose with a tissue.

  • Example

    The dog sniffed around the room looking for food.

  • Example

    She sniffed back tears as she listened to the sad story.

sniff Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sniff

Phrases with sniff

  • to find something by smelling it

    Example

    The dog was able to sniff out the drugs hidden in the suitcase.

  • to show disapproval or contempt for something

    Example

    He sniffed at the idea of working for such a low salary.

  • to look for something in a casual or sneaky way

    Example

    She was sniffing around the office, trying to find out who had been promoted.

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Summary: sniff in Brief

The verb 'sniff' [snɪf] has two main meanings. The first is to inhale air through the nose to detect or enjoy a scent, as in 'She sniffed the flowers to enjoy their fragrance.' The second is to make a short sound through the nose, often due to crying or having a cold, as in 'He sniffed and wiped his nose with a tissue.' 'Sniff' can also be used in phrases like 'sniff out,' meaning to find something by smelling it, and 'sniff at,' meaning to show disapproval or contempt for something.

How do native speakers use this expression?