How to pronounce snuff
Say it like SNUHF. Snuff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce snuff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SNUHF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Snuff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SNUHFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
American vs British pronunciation of snuff
American and British speakers say snuff in essentially the same way: /snʌf/ in the US and /snʌf/ in the UK.
British respelling: SNUHF.
What does snuff mean?
- Finely ground or pulverized tobacco (or other plant derivative) intended for use by being sniffed or snorted into the nose.
- Fine-ground or minced tobacco, dry or moistened, intended for use by placing a pinch behind the lip or beneath the tongue.
- A snort or sniff of fine-ground, powdered, or pulverized tobacco.
- The burning part of a candle wick, or the black, burnt remains of a wick (which must be periodically removed).
- A murder.
- A video showing a real, non-acted murder.
- To inhale through the nose.
- To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense.
Where does snuff come from?
Related to Dutch snuiven (“to sniff”), Middle Low German snûve (“pose, head-cold”), German Schnupfen (“head-cold”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with snuff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of snuff.
Questions about saying snuff
How do you pronounce snuff?
Say SNUHF. The American pronunciation is /snʌf/. In British English it is /snʌf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in snuff?
Snuff is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: SNUHF.
Do Americans and Brits say snuff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /snʌf/ and the British form is /snʌf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.