smell

¹smell

verb \ˈsmel\

smelled\ˈsmeld\ or smelt\ˈsmelt\smell·ing

Definition of SMELL

transitive verb

1

: to perceive the odor or scent of through stimuli affecting the olfactory nerves : get the odor or scent of with the nose

2

: to detect or become aware of as if by the sense of smell <I smell trouble>

3

: to emit the odor of

intransitive verb

1

: to exercise the sense of smell

2

a (1) : to have an odor or scent (2) : to have a characteristic aura or atmosphere : smack <the accounts … seemed to me to smell of truth — R. S. Bourne>; also : seem, appear <the story didn't smell right> b (1) : to have an offensive odor : stink (2) : to be of bad or questionable quality <all this from the moral point of view smells — A. F. Wills>

— smell·er noun

— smell a rat

: to have a suspicion of something wrong

— smell blood

: to sense an opponent's weakness or vulnerability

— smell the roses

: to enjoy or savor life

Examples of SMELL

1. She leaned over and smelled the flowers.
2. I have a cold right now so I can't smell.
3. I can't smell anything because I'm so stuffed up.
4. I could smell dinner cooking.
5. I think I smell gas.
6. This car smells like mold.
7. Can't you smell the profits?

Origin of SMELL

Middle English

First Known Use: 12th century

Related to SMELL

Synonyms: nose, scent, sniff, snuff, whiff

Antonyms: rock [slang], rule [slang]

Related Words: breathe, drink (in), inhale, respire; snort, snuffle; savor (also savour)

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide