# sneeze

/ˈsniz/ (US) · /snˈiːz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sneeze
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a sudden, noisy burst of air that comes out of your nose and mouth. You usually do this when you have a cold or if dust tickles your nose.

For teachers: a sudden, involuntary, and forceful expulsion of air from the lungs through the nose and mouth, typically caused by irritation of the nasal mucosa.

## Examples

- The loud sneeze startled everyone in the quiet library.
- She felt a sneeze coming on and quickly reached for a tissue to cover her face.
- The sudden sneeze was so powerful that it momentarily interrupted his speech, forcing him to pause and compose himself before continuing.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'to let out' or 'to stifle'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.