Meaning & Definition of word "Sniffle"

Sniffle

/ˈsnɪf.əl/

1. a repeated inhaling sound made through the nose, typically indicating the presence of a cold or emotional distress.
- Example: The child's sniffle was a clear sign that she was coming down with something.
2. an act of sniffing, often associated with sadness or discomfort.
- Example: I heard a soft sniffle coming from the corner of the room.

1. to make or cause a repeated sound by inhaling through the nose, often due to a cold or emotion.
- Example: She started to sniffle when she heard the sad news.
2. to keep sniffing as a way to clear the nose or express emotion.
- Example: He sniffled as he watched the emotional movie.

Early 19th century: perhaps from the verb 'sniff' + the diminutive suffix '-le'.

sniffle like a baby:

To cry quietly or softly, often used to describe someone who is overly emotional.

sniff:

To breathe in through the nose audibly.

snuffle:

To breathe noisily through the nose, especially due to a cold.

Meaning: Having a case of the sniffles, usually related to allergies or a cold.

Example Sentence: I’m feeling sniffly today; must be the pollen in the air.

Meaning: To cry softly, often in a dramatic or exaggerated way.

Example Sentence: After the breakup, she was all sniffly and couldn't stop it.