sniffer
noun
sniff·er ˈsni-fər 
1
: one that sniffs: such as
a
: someone who sniffs a drug or other substance in order to become intoxicated
a cocaine/glue sniffer
b
or less commonly sniffer dog : a dog that is trained to recognize and follow scents especially for the purpose of locating people or contraband (such as illicit drugs and explosives)
2
informal : nose
Use your sniffer to detect unattractive or unhealthy odors.
Susan DeBow
Susan DeBow
Example Sentences
Sniffers were brought in to search bags at the airport.
Recent Examples on the Web Armed spotters have taken up positions on rooftops in the area around Westminster Abbey, where the funeral will be held, as sniffer dogs roam the walkways and crews examine manholes and lampposts for bombs. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 After the basketballer’s carry-on luggage caught the attention of a sniffer dog, customs officers found vape cartridges containing hash oil, the post read. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2022 Around £500,000 was crammed into suitcases that were then packed with coffee granules or sprayed with air freshener to disguise the scent from sniffer dogs. BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2022 Authorities deployed heavy security around the train station where Xi arrived and conducted stop-and-search checks, with some officers assisted by sniffer dogs. Reuters, NBC News, 30 June 2022 And your sniffer can help catch the telltale whiff of mildew, which is game over for most waterproof gear. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 Apr. 2019 One helicopter, 12 teams, and sniffer dogs were dispatched as the rescue operation continues, the Red Crescent said. CNN, 23 May 2022 Rescuers with sniffer dogs and drones also found wallets, identity cards and debris. Bloomberg.com, 23 Mar. 2022 Late into Friday night and early Saturday, Pakistanis buried their dead amid heavy security, with sniffer dogs deployed. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2022 See More
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2022 After the basketballer’s carry-on luggage caught the attention of a sniffer dog, customs officers found vape cartridges containing hash oil, the post read. Lane Sainty, The Arizona Republic, 8 Mar. 2022 Around £500,000 was crammed into suitcases that were then packed with coffee granules or sprayed with air freshener to disguise the scent from sniffer dogs. BostonGlobe.com, 28 July 2022 Authorities deployed heavy security around the train station where Xi arrived and conducted stop-and-search checks, with some officers assisted by sniffer dogs. Reuters, NBC News, 30 June 2022 And your sniffer can help catch the telltale whiff of mildew, which is game over for most waterproof gear. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 27 Apr. 2019 One helicopter, 12 teams, and sniffer dogs were dispatched as the rescue operation continues, the Red Crescent said. CNN, 23 May 2022 Rescuers with sniffer dogs and drones also found wallets, identity cards and debris. Bloomberg.com, 23 Mar. 2022 Late into Friday night and early Saturday, Pakistanis buried their dead amid heavy security, with sniffer dogs deployed. USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1864, in the meaning defined at sense 1