Smell

/smɛl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The ability to perceive odors or scents.

Dogs have a keen sense of smell that helps them track scents.

An odor or scent.

I love the smell of fresh coffee in the morning.

A specific scent or fragrance.

The smell of lavender is often used to promote relaxation.

verb

To perceive or detect the odor or scent of something through the sense of smell.

She could smell the freshly baked cookies from the kitchen.

To have a particular scent or odor.

The flowers smell wonderful in the springtime.

To perceive or detect by the sense of smell.

He smelled the smoke before he saw the fire.

Middle English: from Old English smēlan, of Germanic origin.

smell a rat

to suspect that something is wrong or that someone is being dishonest.

the smell test

a method to check if something is acceptable or appropriate.

smell the roses

to take time to appreciate what is around you.

odor

A distinctive smell, usually used in a negative context.

fragrance

A pleasant smell, often used in the context of perfumes.

aroma

A strong and pleasant smell, especially of food or drink.

To have an unpleasant or negative connotation.

That deal smells fishy.

To be suspicious of someone or something.

He smells a setup in this situation.