Pronunciation: /wɪf/

Definitions of whiff

noun a brief passing odor

Example Sentences

A1 I caught a whiff of fresh bread as I walked past the bakery.

A2 There was a strange whiff of smoke coming from the kitchen.

B1 She could detect a whiff of perfume in the air as she entered the room.

B2 The detective picked up a whiff of something suspicious at the crime scene.

C1 The wine connoisseur could identify the subtle whiff of oak in the aged red wine.

C2 The chef's expert palate could detect a whiff of truffle oil in the dish.

verb to carry or convey by or as if by a whiff

Example Sentences

A1 I whiffed the delicious smell of freshly baked cookies.

A2 She whiffed the scent of flowers as she walked through the garden.

B1 The detective whiffed a hint of danger in the air.

B2 He whiffed a familiar perfume and knew she was nearby.

C1 The chef could whiff even the subtlest of spices in a dish.

C2 The wine connoisseur could whiff the notes of oak and berries in the glass.

Examples of whiff in a Sentence

formal As she entered the room, a faint whiff of perfume greeted her.

informal I caught a whiff of something delicious coming from the kitchen.

slang There was a funky whiff in the air that made me wrinkle my nose.

figurative The whiff of success was in the air as they closed the deal.

Grammatical Forms of whiff

past tense

whiffed

plural

whiffs

comparative

sniffier

superlative

sniffiest

present tense

whiff

future tense

will whiff

perfect tense

have whiffed

continuous tense

is whiffing

singular

whiff

positive degree

whiff

infinitive

to whiff

gerund

whiffing

participle

whiffed

Origin and Evolution of whiff

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'whiff' originated from the Middle English word 'weffe', which meant a slight gust of wind or puff of air.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the meaning of 'whiff' expanded to include a slight or faint odor, as well as a brief or passing instance of something, such as a whiff of smoke or a whiff of a conversation.