sniff

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   inhale audibly through the nose

   the sick student was sniffling in the back row

2. 2
   verb

   perceive by inhaling through the nose

   sniff the perfume

3. 3
   verb

   To make a short, audible inhalation, through the nose, as when smelling something.

   The dog sniffed around the park, searching for a nice scent.

4. 4
   verb

   To say (something) while sniffing, such as in case of illness or unhappiness, or in contempt.

   "He's never coming back, is he?" she sniffed while looking at a picture of him.

5. 5
   verb

   To perceive vaguely.

   I don't know, of course, what your precious Radicals are planning to do, and I don't want to know; but I can sniff trouble in the air, nevertheless.

6. 6
   verb

   To pry; to investigate in an interfering manner.

   COOMBE: He got the clinch only last week — eighteen months. You see it's no good having anybody here as ain't got a^([sic]) unblemished character. We don't want to have the bluebottles come sniffing round here, do we?

7. 7
   verb

   To be dismissive or contemptuous of something; used with at.

   This opportunity is not to be sniffed at.

8. 8
   verb

   To intercept and analyse packets of data being transmitted over a network.

   packet sniffer

Etymology

From Middle English sniffen, of imitative origin.