sniff

/snɪf/
verb
  1. To draw air into the nose in short, audible breaths, especially to smell something or to clear the nose.
    • The dog sniffed the ground, searching for a scent.
    • He sniffed loudly because of his cold.
    • She sniffed the flowers to enjoy their fragrance.
  2. To show disapproval or contempt by sniffing.
    • He sniffed at the idea of eating fast food.
    • The critic sniffed at the movie, calling it predictable.
    • When she heard the suggestion, she sniffed and turned away.
  3. To detect or sense something, often by instinct or investigation.
    • The reporter sniffed a scandal behind the official statement.
    • She sniffed trouble when the door was left open.
    • He could sniff a good deal from a mile away.
Synonyms
noun
  1. An act or sound of sniffing.
    • A loud sniff came from the back of the classroom.
    • She gave a quick sniff to check if the milk was fresh.
    • With one sniff, he knew the soup was burning.
  2. A small amount or hint of something.
    • There wasn't a sniff of evidence against him.
    • She caught a sniff of perfume as he walked by.
    • The team didn't get a sniff of victory all season.
What does "sniff" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean