Definition

To take a quick breath in through the nose, often to smell something or to express a feeling.

Example

The dog sniffed around the garden, looking for something interesting.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Do you smell that? It’s something delicious!

Yeah, I can sniff it from here! What do you think it is?

I think it might be fresh bread from the bakery.

Let’s go check it out and sniff around!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A sound made when someone breathes in through their nose, often to clear it or to smell something.

Example

She took a quick sniff of the flowers to enjoy their fragrance.

Conversation

Did you catch a sniff of that new bakery on the corner?

Yeah, I walked by it this morning, and it smelled amazing!

I hope they have something sweet to try; I love a good sniff of fresh pastries.

Definition

To take air in through the nose in a quick way, often to smell something or to show disapproval.

Example

The dog sniffed the ground to find the scent of the rabbit.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I love how fresh the air smells in the morning.

Yeah, it’s nice to sniff in all those scents.

I wish I could sniff out the best coffee shops around here.

Root Explanation

The word 'sniff' originates from Middle English 'sniffen', which is of uncertain origin but is thought to be imitative of the sound made when inhaling through the nose. It describes the action of inhaling audibly through the nose to detect a smell.

Memory Tip

Imagine the sound of someone inhaling sharply through their nose to catch a scent — that's what 'sniff' means.

Visually Confused Words