Smelling

/ˈsmɛl.ɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

The action of perceiving or detecting a scent or odor through the sense of smell.

She was smelling the flowers in the garden.

To perceive or detect the scent of something.

I can smell something delicious cooking in the kitchen.

To have a particular odor or scent.

The cheese is smelling a bit off.

adjective

Having a scent; typically a pleasant one.

The smelling herbs added flavor to the dish.

Characterized by an odor or scent.

The smelling roses filled the air with sweetness.

Middle English smellen, from Old English smēlan.

smelling like roses

To be in a good situation or doing well.

smelling a rat

To suspect something is wrong or dishonest.

smelling salts

A preparation used to revive someone from fainting.

smell

To perceive or detect a scent.

scent

A distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one.

fragrance

A sweet or pleasant odor.

To be attractive or appealing.

She's smelling good tonight!

To be aware of a situation or to have a gut feeling about something.

I'm smelling something fishy about this deal.