Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act or sound of breathing in repeatedly through the nose, especially when it is congested or when one is crying. It refers to the audible inhalation often associated with a cold or light weeping.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To inhale or breathe in audibly through the nose, especially in short, repeated breaths. This is typically done to clear or suppress a runny nose or to hold back tears.
   • To cry or whimper lightly with such audible inhalations.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:

  • I could hear the constant sniffle of the child with a cold.
  • She tried to hide her sadness, but a little sniffle gave her away.

• Verb:

  • He sniffled throughout the meeting because of his allergies.
  • The upset toddler sniffled quietly in the corner.

Advanced Usage and Nuance

• The verb "sniffle" often implies a minor, ongoing, or somewhat subdued action, unlike a single, strong "sniff." It is commonly associated with the symptoms of a common cold or with restrained crying.
• "to have the sniffles": This common phrase means to have a slight head cold, characterized by a runny or stuffy nose.
  • I think I'm getting the sniffles; my nose won't stop running.

Variants and Related Words

• Sniffly (adjective): Characterized by or prone to sniffing.
  • She felt sniffly and tired all day.
• Sniff (verb/noun): A single, typically sharper inhalation through the nose, which can be to detect a smell or to clear the nose. "Sniffle" suggests repeated, softer actions.
• Snivel (verb): To cry and sniffle in a whining or complaining way, often implying tearful self-pity.

Synonyms

• Noun: Snuffle, snivel.
• Verb: Snuffle, snivel, whimper.

Related Phrases

• Stop sniffling: A common admonishment to someone who is audibly inhaling, often due to crying or a cold.
  • "Here's a tissue, please stop sniffling," her mother said.

Noun

1. the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested)

Verb

1. inhale audibly through the nose
   • the sick student was sniffling in the back row
2. cry or whine with snuffling
   • Stop snivelling--you got yourself into this mess!