# snuff

/ˈsnəf/ (US) · /snˈʌf/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/snuff
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a type of tobacco that is ground into a fine powder so people can breathe it in through their nose. It was very popular in the past but is less common today.

For teachers: finely powdered tobacco intended for inhalation through the nostrils. Often associated with historical social customs or specific regional traditions.

## Examples

- He kept his snuff in a small silver box.
- The museum display featured several ornate boxes used for carrying snuff during the eighteenth century.
- While smoking became the dominant form of tobacco consumption in the twentieth century, the ritual of taking snuff persists in certain traditional circles and specialized social clubs.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable only when referring to specific varieties or blends.

---

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.