v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. draw up air audibly through the nose to stop it running or to detect a smell or as an expression of contempt.
2 tr. (often foll. by up) draw in (a scent, drug, liquid, or air) through the nose.
3 tr. draw in the scent of (food, drink, flowers, etc.) through the nose.
--n.
1. an act or sound of sniffing.
2 the amount of air etc. sniffed up.
Phrases and idioms:
sniff at
1. try the smell of; show interest in.
2 show contempt for or discontent with. sniff out detect; discover by investigation.
Derivatives:
sniffingly adv.
Etymology: ME, imit.