sniffling
word · lemma: sniffle
Definition
Sniffling means making small, repeated sounds by breathing in through your nose, especially when your nose is runny from a cold or when you are trying not to cry.
Usage & Nuances
'Sniffling' is informal and usually describes the sound people make when sick with a cold or trying not to cry. It is often used to describe children and sometimes can sound a bit annoying. Common phrases: 'stop sniffling', 'sniffling and sneezing'. Not to be confused with 'sniffing', which means smelling something.
Example Sentences
The little boy kept sniffling because he had a cold.
basic
She was sniffling all through the movie.
basic
His sniffling made it hard for me to concentrate on my work.
basic
Could you please stop sniffling? It’s really distracting.
natural
I heard some sniffling in the back of the classroom during the test.
natural
She tried to hide her tears, but her quiet sniffling gave her away.
natural