I. ˈsnir verb
Etymology: probably akin to Middle High German snerren to chatter, gossip — more at snore
Date: 1680
intransitive verb
1. : to smile or laugh with facial contortions that express scorn or contempt
2. : to speak or write in a scornfully jeering manner
transitive verb
: to utter with a sneer
Synonyms: see scoff
• sneer·er noun
II. noun
Date: 1707
: the act of sneering ; also : a sneering expression or remark