sniff up
C1 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To breathe something in through your nose.
Literal meaning: To sniff (inhale through the nose) in an upward direction — largely transparent.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To draw air or a substance into the nose by sniffing.
"She sniffed up the sharp smell of pine needles as she walked through the forest."
Grammar: separable
2 C1 informal
(Informal) To inhale a substance through the nose, often referring to illicit drug use.
"The documentary showed the dangers of sniffing up solvents or other substances."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
The literal sense (sniffing up a scent or liquid) is fairly rare in standard usage. Informally and with a negative connotation, it can refer to inhaling illegal substances. Less common than 'snort' in this context. ESL learners should be aware of both meanings.
Commonly used with
scent air vapour substance dust
Forms
Base
sniff up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sniffs up
he/she/it
Past simple
sniffed up
yesterday
Past participle
sniffed up
have + pp
-ing form
sniffing up
continuous
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Synonyms
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