snuffle

verb
snuf·​fle | \ ˈsnə-fəl How to pronounce snuffle (audio) \
snuffled; snuffling\ ˈsnə-​f(ə-​)liŋ How to pronounce snuffling (audio) \

Definition of snuffle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : to snuff or sniff usually audibly and repeatedly
2 : to breathe through an obstructed nose with a sniffing sound
3 : to speak through or as if through the nose : whine

transitive verb

: to seek or test by or as if by repeated sniffs

snuffle

noun

Definition of snuffle (Entry 2 of 2)

1 snuffles plural : sniffles
2 : the act or sound of snuffling
3 : a nasal twang

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Other Words from snuffle

Verb

snuffler \ ˈsnə-​f(ə-​)lər How to pronounce snuffler (audio) \ noun

Examples of snuffle in a Sentence

Verb

The child was snuffling in his room.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Whether that will help the person softly snuffling in the last bathroom stall because their expense report got returned for a third time isn't clear. Aj Willingham, CNN, "8 out of 10 people have cried at work, so just know you're not alone," 16 Aug. 2019 The little creature was sniffing and snuffling and scratching the dirt, looking for ants. Paul Hilton, National Geographic, "Poaching is sending the shy, elusive pangolin to its doom," 17 June 2019 Breathing Room For many dog lovers, behaviors like snoring and snuffling are considered aww-worthy (just check out the many Youtube videos of snoring pugs, reverse sneezing French Bulldogs and congested English bulldogs). Kat Eschner, Smithsonian, "The Evolution of Petface," 1 Feb. 2018 One afternoon, the faint smell of charcoal briquettes wafted over the crowd, sunburned men and women planted in camp chairs and trying to keep snuffling dogs not used to leashes to heel. Penelope Green, New York Times, "The Real Burning Man," 31 Jan. 2018 Once again, the MTA snuffled for cash, a developer had the inside track, and civic groups howled at being left out. Justin Davidson, Daily Intelligencer, "The Megamall–Hotel–Condo–Concert Hall That Ate New York City," 10 Jan. 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The sounds of the season are sprinkled with sniffles, snuffles and snorts. Cindy George, Houston Chronicle, "Many people sick with flu in what could be harsh season," 18 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'snuffle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of snuffle

Verb

circa 1600, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1717, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for snuffle

Verb

akin to Dutch snuffelen to snuffle — more at snivel

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More Definitions for snuffle

snuffle

verb

English Language Learners Definition of snuffle

: to breathe loudly because you have a cold or have been crying

snuffle

verb
snuf·​fle | \ ˈsnə-fəl How to pronounce snuffle (audio) \
snuffled; snuffling

Kids Definition of snuffle

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to breathe noisily through a nose that is partly blocked

snuffle

noun

Kids Definition of snuffle (Entry 2 of 2)

: the sound made in breathing through a nose that is partly blocked