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Added 10 October 2026

sniffle

/ˈsnɪf.əl/ verb

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about sniffle at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To make a whimpering or sniffing sound when breathing, because of a runny nose.
Her dad heard her sniffling and passed her a handkerchief.
To utter with a whimpering or sniffing sound.
He sniffled a pathetic apology.

noun

The act, or the sound of sniffling; the condition of having a runny or wet nose, as from a cold or allergies.
I sometimes have a sniffle during allergy season.

Origin

From sniff + -le (frequentative suffix). Compare snivel.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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