sniffing

A child is sniffing because of a cold.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of inhaling audibly through the nose: "sniffing" refers to the action of drawing air into the nose in short, audible breaths, often to detect a smell or to clear the nasal passages.
   • A medical condition (informal): In some contexts, "sniffing" can refer to a persistent or habitual inhalation through the nose, especially due to a cold or allergy, resulting in a "sniffly" state.

2. Verb (present participle of sniff):

   • To inhale audibly through the nose: The action of drawing air into the nose with a short, sharp sound, typically to smell something or to clear the nose.
   • To investigate or detect something (figurative): Used metaphorically to mean inspecting or investigating something suspicious or interesting.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The constant sniffing in the room indicated that many people had colds. (The repeated audible inhalation through the nose.)
  • His sniffing was a nervous habit that annoyed his classmates. (The repeated action of inhaling through the nose.)

• Verb (present participle):

  • She was sniffing the flowers in the garden to enjoy their fragrance. (Inhaling audibly through the nose to smell.)
  • The detective was sniffing around the crime scene for clues. (Figurative: investigating or searching for evidence.)

Advanced Usage

• "Sniffing glue": A specific type of substance abuse where adhesive fumes are inhaled for their psychoactive effects.

  • The teenager was caught sniffing glue in the garage. (Inhaling adhesive fumes.)

• "Sniffing out": To discover or detect something through careful investigation (often used with animals like dogs).

  • The police dog was sniffing out hidden drugs in the luggage. (Using scent to locate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sniff (v): The base verb meaning to inhale audibly through the nose.

  • He sniffed the milk to check if it was sour. (Inhaled to smell.)

• Sniffle (v/n): A lighter, more repeated form of sniffing, often associated with crying or a cold.

  • She sniffled quietly during the sad movie. (Repeatedly inhaled with a slight sound.)

• Sniffy (adj): Informal, meaning inclined to sniff or showing disdain.

  • He gave a sniffy reply to the suggestion. (Disdainful or dismissive.)

Synonyms

• Inhale: to draw air into the lungs (general term).
• Smell: to perceive an odor through the nose.
• Scent: to detect or follow a smell (often used for animals).

Phrasal Verbs

• Sniff at: to inhale briefly to smell something, often with contempt or curiosity.

  • The cat sniffed at the new food but didn't eat it. (Inhaled to smell, showing hesitation.)

• Sniff out: to discover or locate by smelling or investigating.

  • The journalist sniffed out the corruption scandal. (Discovered through careful inquiry.)

Related Idioms

• Sniff around: to investigate or look for something in a cautious or secretive manner.

  • The reporter was sniffing around the politician's office for a story. (Investigating discreetly.)

• Not to be sniffed at: something that is worthy of consideration or respect.

  • The offer of a free trip is not to be sniffed at. (Should not be dismissed or underestimated.)