What does sniffled mean?
Sniffled is the past tense of sniffle, a verb describing short, slightly noisy breaths made through the nose. Its figurative use is more common: a person sniffles when they cry or try to hold back tears, often after disappointment, sadness, or emotional strain. The word can be literal, as in describing the sound made by a person with a blocked nose, but it usually suggests vulnerability or suppressed emotion. In everyday writing, it is often used with words such as “tears,” “quietly,” and “into tears.” Although “sniffled” can indicate an attempt to regain composure, it may also sound gently dismissive when describing someone who responds to criticism by crying. The related noun “sniffle” can refer to an individual nasal breath, while the plural “sniffles” commonly describes a series of such breaths or a mild period of tearfulness.
verbThe past tense of “sniffle,” meaning to breathe through the nose with short, slightly noisy breaths, especially while crying or trying to control tears. It can also mean to cry in a restrained or subdued way.
- To breathe through the nose with short, noisy breaths, especially while emotional.
- To cry quietly or in a restrained manner.
"The child sniffled and tried to compose herself before speaking."
"She sniffled throughout the interview but refused to admit she was upset."
"He sniffed, wiped his eyes, and continued reading."
A sniffle is often the sound of someone trying very hard not to cry.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sniffled come from?
The verb “sniffle” was formed as a diminutive or frequentative of “sniff,” with its repeated nasal quality suggesting a series of short inhalations. “Sniffle” later acquired the figurative sense of crying in a restrained manner, while the form “sniffled” was established as its regular past tense.
Related word forms
How sniffled is actually used
In its literal sense, the verb describes a short, nasal inhalation resembling a sniff. Figuratively, it commonly describes someone crying or trying to suppress tears, and is often sympathetic in tone.