whiff

1
[ hwif, wif ]
/ ʰwɪf, wɪf /

noun

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

Origin of whiff

1
1585–95; aspirated variant of Middle English weffe whiff (of steam or vapor)

OTHER WORDS FROM whiff

whiff·er, noun

Definition for whiff (2 of 2)

whiff 2
[ hwif, wif ]
/ ʰwɪf, wɪf /

noun

any of several flatfishes having both eyes on the left side of the head, of the genus Citharichthys, as C. cornutus (horned whiff), inhabiting Atlantic waters from New England to Brazil.

Origin of whiff

2
First recorded in 1705–15; origin uncertain

Example sentences from the Web for whiff

British Dictionary definitions for whiff (1 of 2)

whiff 1
/ (wɪf) /

noun

a passing odour
a brief gentle gust of air
a single inhalation or exhalation from the mouth or nose

verb

Derived forms of whiff

whiffer, noun

Word Origin for whiff

C16: of imitative origin

British Dictionary definitions for whiff (2 of 2)

whiff 2
/ (wɪf) /

noun

mainly British a narrow clinker-built skiff having outriggers, for one oarsman

Word Origin for whiff

C19: special use of whiff 1