English-English Dictionary

Meaning of the word whiff in English

What does whiff mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

whiff

US /wɪf/
UK /wɪf/
"whiff" picture

Noun

1.

a slight smell of something

Example:
•
I caught a whiff of freshly baked bread.
•
There was a faint whiff of perfume in the air.
Synonym:
smell scent odor aroma hint
2.

a brief, slight, or sudden gust of air or smoke

Example:
•
A sudden whiff of wind rustled the leaves.
•
He took a quick whiff of his cigarette.
Synonym:
gust puff breath waft

Verb

1.

to smell (something) faintly

Example:
•
He could whiff the scent of pine trees.
•
The dog whiffed the air, trying to pick up a trail.
Synonym:
smell sniff scent
2.

to fail to hit or achieve (something)

Example:
•
He took a swing and completely whiffed the ball.
•
The pitcher whiffed the batter with three straight strikes.
Synonym:
miss fail botch flub muff
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