Definition of: sniff

(snif) v.i.
1. To breathe through the nose in short, quick, audible inhalations.
2. To express contempt, etc., by sniffing: often with at.
3. To inhale a scent in sniffs.
—v.t.
4. To breathe in through the nose; inhale.
5. To smell or attempt to smell with sniffs: to sniff smoke.
6. To perceive as if by sniffs: to sniff peril.
7. To express (contempt) by sniffs.
—noun
1. An act or the sound of sniffing.
2. Perception by or as by sniffing; that which is inhaled by sniffing. [Appar. back formation <SNIVEL]