sniffing Definition

sniff
verb sniffed, sniffing

1. To draw in air with the breath through the nose.

Thesaurus: smell, inhale, breathe, scent.
intr
2. To draw up mucus or tears escaping into the nose.
intr
3. To draw in air through the nose in short sharp noisy bursts, eg when crying.
tr & intr
4. To smell it in this way.

Form: sniff something (often)
Form: sniff at something
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.

Derivative: sniffer
noun

Derivative: sniffing
noun, adj

Idiom: not to be sniffed at

colloq
Not to be disregarded or overlooked lightly.
Example: such good value that it's not an offer to be sniffed at

Etymology: 14c: imitating the sound.

Phrasal Verb: sniff at someone or something

To express contempt or derision for them or it.

Phrasal Verb: sniff someone or something out

To discover or detect them or it by, or as if by, the sense of smell.