# sneezing

/ˈsnizɪŋ/ (US) · /snˈiːzɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sneezing
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

the act of suddenly blowing air out through your nose and mouth. It is something your body does automatically when your nose is irritated.

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

## Examples

- Loud sneezing from the back of the room interrupted the quiet exam.
- The high pollen count this morning led to constant sneezing and watery eyes for many commuters.
- While occasional sneezing is a normal physiological response to dust, persistent bouts may indicate an underlying allergic reaction or the onset of a viral infection.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund to describe the ongoing activity or symptom.

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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.