sniffles: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “sniffles” mean?
A slight or mild cold, characterized by a runny or stuffy nose and frequent sniffing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A slight or mild cold, characterized by a runny or stuffy nose and frequent sniffing.
The act of sniffing repeatedly, especially due to a cold or crying; a minor illness or condition causing such symptoms. Used informally, often with a nuance of being minor or trivial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally informal and slightly childlike or gentle in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more likely to be heard in everyday, family contexts than in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “sniffles” in a Sentence
to have [DET] snifflesto get/catch the snifflesto suffer from the snifflesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sniffles” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The toddler sniffled quietly during the film.
- He's been sniffling all morning; I think he's coming down with something.
American English
- She sniffled into her tissue after the sad ending.
- Stop sniffling and blow your nose properly.
adjective
British English
- He had a sniffly, miserable sort of day.
- A sniffly child sat in the doctor's waiting room.
American English
- It's just a sniffly cold, nothing serious.
- She felt sniffly and tired from the allergies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; only in informal conversation to explain minor absenteeism (e.g., 'I've got the sniffles, so I'm working from home').
Academic
Very rare; technical terms preferred.
Everyday
Very common, especially in family/domestic contexts to describe a minor illness.
Technical
Not used; 'rhinitis' or 'upper respiratory infection' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sniffles”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sniffles”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sniffles”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a sniffle' for the illness is less common). Confusing it with 'sniff' (the action) rather than the condition.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an informal, colloquial word. Medical professionals would use terms like 'rhinitis' or 'upper respiratory infection'.
The singular 'sniffle' refers to a single instance of sniffing. The condition of having a mild cold is almost always referred to as 'the sniffles' (plural).
'Sniffles' specifically describes the symptom of a runny/stuffy nose and the act of sniffing, and often implies a milder version of a common cold.
No. The correct pattern is 'I have the sniffles' or 'I've got the sniffles'. The word is a noun, not an adjective describing your state.
A slight or mild cold, characterized by a runny or stuffy nose and frequent sniffing.
Sniffles: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsnɪf(ə)lz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsnɪfəlz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a case of the sniffles”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word itself sounds like the action it describes – the repeated short 'sniff' sounds someone makes when they have a runny nose.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS IS AN UNWANTED VISITOR (e.g., 'I've caught the sniffles').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sniffles' MOST appropriate?