sneeze

1 of 2

verb

ˈsnēz How to pronounce sneeze (audio)
sneezed; sneezing

intransitive verb

: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act
sneezer noun
see also:
sneeze at

sneeze

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of sneezing

Examples of sneeze in a Sentence

Verb She was constantly sneezing and coughing.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
The measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Measles spreads through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes. — Ema Sasic, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
When the bladder is full, a sneeze or a laugh could make the situation more uncomfortable or even cause some leaking. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Aug. 2026 As Melvin detailed the report with the camera trained on him, two unmistakable sneezes from Guthrie could be heard off-screen. — Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sneeze

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

Rhymes for sneeze

See All Rhymes for sneeze

Browse Nearby Words

sneeshing
sneeze
sneeze at
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sneeze.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sneeze. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sneeze

verb
ˈsnēz
sneezed; sneezing
: to force the breath out through the nose or mouth in a sudden violent noisy action
sneeze noun
sneezer noun

Medical Definition

sneeze

1 of 2 intransitive verb
ˈsnēz How to pronounce sneeze (audio)
sneezed; sneezing
: to make a sudden violent spasmodic audible expiration of breath through the nose and mouth especially as a reflex act following irritation of the nasal mucous membrane

sneeze

2 of 2 noun
: an act or instance of sneezing

More from Merriam-Webster on sneeze

Nglish: Translation of sneeze for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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