Pronunciation: /ˈsnɪfəl/

Definitions of sniffle

noun a slight sound made by inhaling through the nose, typically expressing slight distress or crying

Example Sentences

A1 I heard a sniffle coming from the classroom.

A2 She wiped away her sniffle with a tissue.

B1 The child's sniffle was a sign of an oncoming cold.

B2 He tried to stifle his sniffle during the emotional speech.

C1 The subtle sniffle in the room indicated that many were moved by the film.

C2 Her delicate sniffle revealed her vulnerability in that moment.

verb to make a slight sound by inhaling through the nose, typically expressing slight distress or crying

Example Sentences

A1 She sniffles when she has a cold.

A2 The little boy sniffled as he walked in the cold weather.

B1 I could hear her sniffle as she tried to hold back her tears.

B2 He sniffled quietly, trying not to disturb the others in the room.

C1 Despite her best efforts, she couldn't help but sniffle during the emotional speech.

C2 The actor's subtle sniffle added a touch of realism to his performance.

Examples of sniffle in a Sentence

formal She let out a small sniffle as she wiped away her tears.

informal I could hear her sniffle as she tried to hold back her emotions.

slang Stop your sniffle and just toughen up.

figurative The economy took a sniffle after the new policy was implemented.

Grammatical Forms of sniffle

past tense

sniffled

plural

sniffles

comparative

sniffler

superlative

sniffliest

present tense

sniffle

future tense

will sniffle

perfect tense

have sniffled

continuous tense

is sniffling

singular

sniffle

positive degree

sniffle

infinitive

to sniffle

gerund

sniffling

participle

sniffling

Origin and Evolution of sniffle

First Known Use: 0015 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'sniffle' is believed to have originated from the Middle English word 'snifflen', which is an imitative formation representing the sound of sniffing or sniffling.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'sniffle' has retained its original meaning of a slight nasal sound made while breathing in, often due to congestion or crying. It has also come to be used figuratively to describe a person who is perceived as weak or overly emotional.