I. ˈhwif, ˈwif noun
Etymology: imitative
Date: 1591
1.
a. : a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray
b. : an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke
c. : a slight puffing or whistling sound
2. : a slight trace or indication
a whiff of scandal
3. : strikeout
II. verb
Date: 1591
intransitive verb
1. : to move with or as if with a puff of air
2. : to emit whiffs : puff
3. : to inhale an odor
4. : strike out 3
transitive verb
1.
a. : to carry or convey by or as if by a whiff : blow
b. : to expel or puff out in a whiff : exhale
c. : smoke 3
2. : fan 8
whiff ed three batters