smell

noun
UK: /smel/
US: /smel/

  1. The characteristic quality of something that can be perceived by the nose.

    1. I like the smell of flowers; it's so fresh. [ ] [ ]
    2. The strong smell of gas alerted us to a potential leak in the kitchen. [ ] [ ]

  2. The ability to perceive odors through the nose.

    1. My sense of smell is very sensitive, especially in the spring. [ ] [ ]
    2. After the cold, I lost my smell and everything tasted bland for a week. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

aroma scent stink reek fragrance
smell verb

  1. To perceive or detect odors through the nose.

    1. I smell smoke; is something burning in the oven? [ ] [ ]
    2. Can you smell that delicious aroma emanating from the bakery down the street? [ ] [ ]

  2. To emit or give off an odor.

    1. The garbage smells awful; it needs to be taken out immediately. [ ] [ ]
    2. This perfume smells wonderful; what brand are you wearing tonight at the party? [ ] [ ]

  3. To investigate something secretively or suspiciously.

    1. I smell a rat; he's probably cheating on his test right now. [ ] [ ]
    2. The detective could smell something fishy about the suspect's inconsistent alibi. [ ] [ ]
smell adjective

  1. Having an odor, especially a bad or unpleasant one.

    1. That trash can is smell; please take it outside. [ ] [ ]
    2. The milk left out all night had a smell odor so I poured it down the drain. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "smell" in English means: The characteristic quality of something that can be perceived by the nose., The ability to perceive odors through the nose..

The phonetic transcription of "smell" is /smel/ in British English and /smel/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "smell": aroma, scent, stink, reek, fragrance.

Example usage of "smell": "I like the smell of flowers; it's so fresh.". More examples on the page.