Sneeze
/sniːz/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth caused by an irritation of the nasal mucous membrane.
The loud sneeze startled everyone in the quiet room.
The act of sneezing.
She felt a sneeze coming on and reached for a tissue.
verb
To make a sudden, involuntary expulsion of air from the nose and mouth.
He couldn't help but sneeze when the pepper was sprinkled on his food.
To expel air from the nose and mouth in a sudden manner.
Whenever I walk by the flowers, I tend to sneeze.
Etymology
Middle English 'sneesen', likely derived from a Middle Dutch root.
Common Phrases and Expressions
Achoo!
An exclamation often said when someone sneezes.
Bless you!
A common response to someone sneezing, wishing them well.
Sneeze attack
A sudden and uncontrollable fit of sneezing.
Related Words
sneezing
The act or occurrence of expelling air from the nose and mouth.
allergy
A hypersensitivity to a substance which can cause sneezing.
nasal
Relating to the nose, often associated with sneezing.
Slang Meanings
To let one rip
When he sneezed, it was like he let one rip!
Dust sneeze
I got a dust sneeze from cleaning the house.