First Known Use: 1591
Dictionary
1whiff
noun \ˈhwif, ˈwif\
: a slight smell of something : an odor that is weak
: a slight trace or indication
Full Definition of WHIFF
1
a : a quick puff or slight gust especially of air, odor, gas, smoke, or spray b : an inhalation of odor, gas, or smoke c : a slight puffing or whistling sound
2
: a slight trace or indication <a whiff of scandal>
3
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Origin of WHIFF
imitative
2whiff
verb
: to notice (a smell)
baseball of a pitcher : to cause (a batter) to be out by pitching three strikes
of a batter : to make an out by getting three strikes
Full Definition of WHIFF
intransitive verb
1
: to move with or as if with a puff of air
3
: to inhale an odor
4
: strike out 3
transitive verb
1
2
: fan 8 <whiffed three batters>
See whiff defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of WHIFF
1591
WHIFF Defined for Kids
1whiff
noun \ˈhwif, ˈwif\
Definition of WHIFF for Kids
1
: a small gust
2
: a small amount (as of a scent or a gas) that is breathed in <… the east wind brought a whiff of exhaust smell from some passing car. — Robert Lawson, Rabbit Hill>
3
: 1hint 2 <His remark had a whiff of mischief.>
4
2whiff
verb
whiffedwhiff·ing
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