sniff

[US]/snɪf/
[UK]/snɪf/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vi. to inhale quickly or repeatedly through the nose; to detect through the nose
vt. to inhale forcefully; to perceive by smelling
n. the act of inhaling through the nose; a smell

Phrases & Collocations

sniff out

sniffle

sniffing dogs

sniff at

Example Sentences

a sniff of perfume; a sniff of scandal.

The dog sniffed suspiciously at the stranger.

the price is not to be sniffed at.

he gave a sniff of disapproval.

they're off at the first sniff of trouble.

The offer is not to be sniffed at.

he gave a sniff which suggested that the sniffer had eaten better food.

sniffed the lilacs; sniffed the breeze for traces of smoke.

dogs that sniffed out the trail through the snow; sniffed trouble ahead.

his dog sniffed at my trousers.

the Olympic hosts will at least get a sniff at a medal.

They all had colds and were sniffing and sneezing.

Take a sniff at everything and distinguish the good from the bad.

Come and visit our website and have a sniff around!

sniffed at the jar to see what it held.

The critics sniffed at the adaptation of the novel to film.

The reporters came sniffing around for more details.

sniffed the cool morning air.

The countess sniffed her disapproval.

Real-world Examples

And that's not to be sniffed at.

Source: CNN 10 Student English Compilation September 2020

Planning on lifting a sniff later are we?

Source: Lost Girl Season 05

" It looks like an altar, " she sniffed.

Source: Gone with the Wind

So why are you sniffing that?

Source: Modern Family - Season 07

Sniff, sniff went his black nose.

Source: American Elementary School English 1

Some emerging-market schools have already sniffed an opportunity.

Source: The Economist - Comprehensive

And some even use trained sniffer dogs to find bedbugs.

Source: BBC English Unlocked

Sniff, sniff, sniff he went, under the bed and behind the door.

Source: American Elementary English 2

They also do this when they are sniffing something that's interested them.

Source: Smart Life Encyclopedia

That's why dogs are always sniffing everywhere they go, especially on walks.

Source: One Hundred Thousand Whys

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