Sniff

/snɪf/ · verb

Meaning

(ambitransitive) To make a short, audible inhalation, through the nose, as when smelling something..

Definitions by Sense

1. (ambitransitive) To make a short, audible inhalation, through the nose, as when smelling something.
2. (transitive) To say (something) while sniffing, such as in case of illness or unhappiness, or in contempt.
3. (transitive) To perceive vaguely.
4. (intransitive) To pry; to investigate in an interfering manner.
5. To be dismissive or contemptuous of something; used with at.
6. (computing) To intercept and analyse packets of data being transmitted over a network.
7. (slang, chiefly UK) To inhale drugs (usually cocaine) through the nose, usually in powder form.
8. (countable) An instance of sniffing.

Example Sentences

The dog sniffed around the park, searching for a nice scent.

I sniffed the meat to see whether it had gone off.

Carrot ran past him to get to the barrel first, and peered down at the cowering Catweazle. “No rats, Dad,” he said. “What's that terrible pong, then?” said Mr Bennett, sniffing.

"He's never coming back, is he?" she sniffed while looking at a picture of him.

I don't know, of course, what your precious Radicals are planning to do, and I don't want to know; but I can sniff trouble in the air, nevertheless.

COOMBE: He got the clinch only last week — eighteen months. You see it's no good having anybody here as ain't got a^([sic]) unblemished character. We don't want to have the bluebottles come sniffing round here, do we?

This opportunity is not to be sniffed at.

packet sniffer

Synonyms for sniff

Antonyms for sniff

Related Words

Word Forms

• sniffs
• sniffing
• sniffed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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