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to whiff

to whiff

6.9
To move something quickly by a short gust of air
  • verb
  • /wɪf/
translation icon : volar
  • He waded into the surf, still washing high, and whiffed a small grappling hook over its gunnel, hauling it near enough to grab and drag clear.

Examples

  • "Wharrrfff!" Mort whiffed.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • But as soon as they whiffed the carrion scent, Prince Sergey’s men revolted, none of them wanting a rematch with the monster.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • He whiffed the candle’s scent, enjoying the relaxing aroma of vanilla.

  • As the wind picked up, she whiffed a hint of saltwater in the air.

  • The boy whiffed the flowers, taking in their sweet fragrance on a sunny day.

Synonyms

to blow
vsto whiff
711 1.0

To move air forcefully using your mouth, wind, or a fan

moves things by a small puff or gust rather than by strong force
to whisk
vsto whiff
41 3.4

To move someone or something quickly and lightly

moves things as if pushed by a puff of air rather than by sweeping
to waft
vsto whiff
28 5.1

To move gently through the air on a light breeze, like a smell or sound

moves things by a short puff or sudden gust rather than a breeze
to blow through
vsto whiff
20 3.7

Air that moves quickly through a room or open window

moves things by a short puff rather than by strong passing wind
1 4.8

Move gently through the air like a smell or sound

moves things by a brief puff or gust rather than smooth motion

Idioms

23 4.4

A small, faint smell you notice briefly

To notice a small smell of something for a short time

Phrasal Verbs

Smell something briefly, often a strong scent

Compounds

A short soft smell of perfume in the air

horned whiff
  • Specialized
9.9

A flat fish with small horn-like bumps on its head that lives on sandy sea bottoms in warm Atlantic waters

A short breath you take to smell something

9.9

Not straight or level but turned a little to one side

How Forceful

to gust
14 3.2
to blow
711 1.0
to whiff
6.9
to drift
331 2.9
to waft
28 5.1

Surface Forms

whiff infinitive
whiffed past
whiffed past participle
whiffing present participle
whiffs third person singular

Etymology

Whiff meaning 'to move by a puff' comes from the image of a quick puff of air that can push things, so when wind whiffs your papers it is like a short 'puff' moving them.