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Definition
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sneezed; sneezing
: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act
sneezer
noun
Phrases
sneeze at
informal
: to make light of
—always used in negative statements to indicate something that is important or deserves attention
… a red ribbon for second place is not to be sneezed at or scorned.—
Richard Peck
Perquisites and severance pay are nothing to sneeze at [=are significant]
Examples of sneeze in a Sentence
Verb
She was constantly sneezing and coughing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 30 Jan. 2025
When Hollywood sneezes, the UK catches a cold, so to speak, and the financial shifts brought on by the streaming rethink, plus the devastating wildfires and labor strike hangovers, mean that Americans’ lack of interest in British projects is having serious knock-on effects.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Real life doesn’t stand still—people sneeze, laugh and move around.
—
Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
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Verb
Wash your hands often and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
—Noun
The organization also recommended preventive measures, including wearing a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas, covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and following public health advice on vaccinations.
—Word History
Etymology
Verb
Middle English snesen, alteration of fnesen, from Old English fnēosan; akin to Middle High German pfnūsen to snort, sneeze, Greek pnein to breathe
First Known Use
Verb
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1646, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of sneeze was
in the 14th century
Phrases Containing sneeze
Articles Related to sneeze
Dictionary Entries Near sneeze
Cite this Entry
“Sneeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneeze. Accessed 14 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
sneeze
verbˈsnēz
sneezed; sneezing
: to force the breath out through the nose or mouth in a sudden violent noisy action
sneeze
noun
sneezer
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on sneeze
Nglish: Translation of sneeze for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of sneeze for Arabic Speakers
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