sniff (sn f)v. sniffed, sniff·ing, sniffs v.intr. 1. a. To inhale a short, audible breath through the nose, as in smelling something. b. To sniffle. 2. To use the sense of smell, as in savoring or investigating: sniffed at the jar to see what it held. 3. To regard something in a contemptuous or dismissive manner: The critics sniffed at the adaptation of the novel to film. 4. Informal To pry; snoop: The reporters came sniffing around for more details. v.tr. 1. To inhale forcibly through the nose: sniffed the cool morning air. 2. To smell, as in savoring or investigating: sniffed the lilacs; sniffed the breeze for traces of smoke. 3. To perceive or detect by or as if by sniffing: dogs that sniffed out the trail through the snow; sniffed trouble ahead. 4. To utter in a contemptuous or haughty manner: The countess sniffed her disapproval. n. 1. An instance or the sound of sniffing. 2. Something sniffed or perceived by or as if by sniffing; a whiff: a sniff of perfume; a sniff of scandal. [Middle English sniffen, probably of Scandinavian origin.] sniff  a·ble adj.sniff er n. |
sniffer [ˈsnɪfə]
n
(Law) a device for detecting hidden substances such as drugs or explosives, esp by their odour
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