sniffle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "sniffle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of inhaling and exhaling audibly due to a cold, allergies, sadness, etc. For example, "She sniffled as she wiped away the tears."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Literature

Health

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Did investors sniffle a few times and then all decide they were coming down with avian flu?

The New Yorker

In a third variation, we had Dan cheat, but before preparing the taste samples, the other confederate, Hannah, began to sniffle and tear up.

The New York Times

Some laugh and joke while others sniffle or weep quietly.

The New York Times

So you swoon, and you sniffle, and you savor the ache in your chest.

The New York Times

And I also love the unassailable logic of keeping the tissues in the country-music corner, where I expect the entire class will huddle after lunch and sniffle along to Hank Williams songs.

The New York Times

You have to sniffle before you get a flu shot".

The New York Times

On seeing Mr Blair's cover photograph she began to sniffle: "He was so full of promise," she said, "And look at him now, he's a broken bulrush in the River Nile of life".

The Guardian - Books

Anyway, the last words - Carter's "Dr Greene, you coming?" - to the late Mark Greene's 22-year-old wannabe doctor daughter, made me sniffle a bit, of course they did.

The Guardian

As we walked to a cafe on the muggy, screeching Gran Via, he began to sniffle and, like a true diva, fretted about his precious high notes.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Taking $48.2m £28.4mm), the sniffle-fest trounced the competition, namely sci-fi flick Edge of Tomorrow, despite the latter boasting a budget 15 times the size and some bloke called Tom Cruise.

Independent

And the first lady, Robin Wright's Claire Underwood, sleeping in a spare bedroom due to a "cold" that is suspiciously sniffle-free, has demanded from her husband a nomination as US ambassador to the United Nations.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sniffle" to describe a sound, ensure the context clarifies whether it's due to illness or emotion. For instance, differentiate between "He sniffled from a cold" and "She sniffled, trying to hold back tears."

Common error

Avoid assuming the reason for a "sniffle" is always sadness. A runny nose or allergies are equally plausible. Ensure your writing provides sufficient context to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sniffle" is as both an intransitive verb, describing the act of drawing air audibly through the nose, and as a noun, referring to the sound or act of sniffling itself. As Ludwig AI notes, it accurately describes this dual role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Literature

22%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sniffle" functions as both a verb and a noun, denoting the act or sound of inhaling audibly through the nose, often linked to colds or emotional distress. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatile use. While "sniffle" is primarily used in news and media, along with literature, its presence in formal business contexts is notable, as well. Remember to provide enough context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "snivel" or "snuffle" offer similar meanings, yet carry subtle differences. With its wide range of application across contexts, "sniffle" remains a valuable term in everyday English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

snivel

Similar action of drawing air through the nose, often due to crying or a cold.

snuffle

Implies a soft, muffled sniffing sound, often due to nasal congestion.

whimper

Expresses a soft, subdued crying sound, sometimes accompanied by sniffing.

sob

A more intense form of crying, often involving gasping and irregular breathing.

weep

A general term for shedding tears, which may or may not involve sniffing.

have a runny nose

Describes the physical condition that often leads to sniffling.

fight back tears

Suggests an attempt to suppress crying, which can result in sniffling.

choke back emotion

Implies suppressing strong feelings, potentially leading to physical manifestations like sniffling.

wipe one's nose

A direct action taken to deal with the physical effects of sniffling.

clear one's throat

Can be a subtle way to deal with nasal congestion or suppress emotional responses.

FAQs

How can I use "sniffle" in a sentence?

You can use "sniffle" to describe the action of audibly inhaling through the nose, often due to a cold or crying. For example, "She tried to hide her sadness, but a quiet sniffle escaped her lips." or "He had a terrible cold and couldn't stop /s/sniffling.

What's the difference between "sniffle" and "snivel"?

"Sniffle" generally refers to the sound made when inhaling through the nose, often due to a cold or suppressed emotion. "Snivel", however, often implies a more prolonged and tearful state of distress, often associated with complaining or whining.

What are some synonyms for "sniffle"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "snuffle", "whimper", or "sob". "Snuffle" is closest to sniffle, but may suggest a cold, while the others involve sadness.

Is it correct to use "sniffle" as a noun?

Yes, "sniffle" can be used as a noun to refer to the act or sound of sniffling, or the condition of having a runny nose. For example, "I could hear the occasional sniffle from the audience." or "Allergy season brings on the sniffle."