Search results for 'sniff':

sniff verb (sniffed, sniffing) 1 to draw in air with the breath through the nose. 2 intrans to draw up mucus or tears escaping into the nose. 3 intrans to draw in air through the nose in short sharp noisy bursts, eg when crying. 4 (often sniff something or sniff at something) tr & intr to smell it in this way. 5 to express disapprobation reticently by making a slight sound with the nose. 6 to snuffle. 7 to inhale the fumes from (a dangerous or addictive substance, eg a solvent). noun 1 an act or the sound of sniffing. 2 a smell. 3 a small quantity inhaled by the nose. 4 a slight intimation or suspicion. sniffer noun. sniffing noun, adj. not to be sniffed at colloq not to be disregarded or overlooked lightly • such good value that it's not an offer to be sniffed at.
ETYMOLOGY: 14c: imitating the sound.