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
Fall allergy season is underway in Georgia, with ragweed pollen triggering symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Colds and allergies have similar symptoms like sneezing, runny noses and watery eyes, which is why they can both be treated by a histamine-blocking medication that can help dry up your sinuses. — Andee Tagle, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Noun
Ever stop to think that your sneeze could be an omen from the gods? — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026 Measles is a highly contagious disease typically spread through sneezes and coughs. — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 6 Oct. 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 22 Oct. 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
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