Whiff
/wɪf/noun
A brief, light puff or puff of air, smell, or smoke; also, to catch a faint odor.
Did you know?Historically, “whiff” is an imitative word built to echo a quick puff of air, and its later use for a faint smell shows how English turns invisible forces into audible magic.
Etymological Timeline
Late Middle English
English
whif
“A puff of air or smoke; a light, fleeting blast.”
16th Century
English
whiff
“A short blast or puff, especially of air or smoke.”
16th Century
English
whiffe
“Also used for a small quantity of tobacco smoked at once.”
18th Century
English
whiff
“A faint smell or trace, especially something barely perceived.”
Modern English
English
whiff
“A brief puff, scent, or fleeting hint of something.”