sniff  (snĭf) 
v.
sniffed, sniff·ing, sniffs
v.
intr.
To inhale a short, audible breath through the nose, as in smelling something. To sniffle.
To use the sense of smell, as in savoring or investigating: sniffed at the jar to see what it held. To regard something in a contemptuous or dismissive manner: The critics sniffed at the adaptation of the novel to film. Informal To pry; snoop: The reporters came sniffing around for more details.
v.
tr.
To inhale forcibly through the nose: sniffed the cool morning air. To smell, as in savoring or investigating: sniffed the lilacs; sniffed the breeze for traces of smoke. To perceive or detect by or as if by sniffing: dogs that sniffed out the trail through the snow; sniffed trouble ahead. To utter in a contemptuous or haughty manner: The countess sniffed her disapproval.
n. An instance or the sound of sniffing. Something sniffed or perceived by or as if by sniffing; a whiff: a sniff of perfume; a sniff of scandal.
[Middle English sniffen, probably of Scandinavian origin.]
sniff'a·ble adj., sniff'er n. |
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