snuffle

Everyday

1. To snuffle means to breathe noisily through your nose, for example when you have a cold or are crying. tree →
2. When an animal snuffles, it sniffs noisily along the ground, looking for food or a smell, like a dog, pig or hedgehog. tree →
3. (noun) A snuffle is that noisy breathing sound; "the snuffles" (informal) is a light cold with a runny nose. tree →

In the lessons

In stories it describes small sounds of animals and of children who are sad or ill; it makes a scene feel close and real. In nature lessons hedgehogs and badgers snuffle for worms and beetles. Phrases: "snuffle around", "snuffle about", "have the snuffles".

Examples

• The puppy snuffled around the garden for its ball. tree →
• A hedgehog snuffled through the leaves at night. tree →
• My little brother snuffled into his pillow after the bad dream. tree →
• I have the snuffles, so I need tissues. tree →
• The pig snuffled in the mud for food. tree →
• We heard a snuffle under the bed and found the cat. tree →
• She stopped crying and gave a last snuffle. tree →
• No one else cared.” He snuffled a little. tree →

Note

Regular verb: snuffled, snuffling. Close to "sniffle" (sniffing because of a cold or tears) and "sniff". "The snuffles" is informal.