26984 words

smell

14 definitions • 35 examples
1
to have a particular quality that others can notice with their noses:

Examples:

My hands smell of onions.
That cake smells good.
There's something in the fridge that smells mouldy.
Your feet smell (= have an unpleasant smell). Why don't you wash them?
2
to notice or discover something using the nose:

Examples:

Come and smell these flowers!
smell something burning Can you smell something burning?
[ + (that) ] Didn't you smell (that) the pie was burning?
I can smell something rotten in the bottom of the fridge.
3
to know about or be aware of a situation without having to be told about it:

Examples:

smell trouble Brenda can smell trouble a mile off (= a long time in advance).
4
to have the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by using your nose:

Examples:

Humans can't smell as well as dogs.
What I hate most about having a cold is not being able to smell.
5
the characteristic of something that can be recognized or noticed using the nose:

Examples:

What's your favourite smell?
the smell of I love the smell of orange blossoms.
delicious smell There's a delicious smell in here.
I wish we could get rid of that smell (= bad smell) in the bathroom.
6
the particular character or feeling that someone or something has:

Examples:

the sweet smell of success She's still enjoying the sweet smell (= pleasant experience) of success after her victory in the world championships.
7
the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by using your nose:

Examples:

Smell is one of the five senses.
sense of smell Dogs have a very good sense of smell.
8
the act of putting your nose near something and breathing in so that you can discover its characteristics with your nose:

Examples:

a smell of Have a smell of this perfume.
9
the ability to notice or discover a substance in the air by using the nose:

Examples:

Smell is one of the five senses.
Dogs have a very good sense of smell.
10
the characteristic of something that can be recognized or noticed using the nose:

Examples:

the smell of flowers/perfume/coffee/paint
I woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs.
I wish we could get rid of that smell in the garage.
11
the act of using your nose to discover the characteristic of a substance in the air:

Examples:

Have a smell of this thyme.
12
to become aware of or to discover something using the nose:

Examples:

Just smell this perfume!
She smelled something burning.
fig. Brenda can smell trouble a mile off. (= knows when there will be trouble.)
13
to have the ability to notice or discover a substance in the air by using your nose:

Examples:

[ T ] I have a cold and I can’t smell anything.
14
to have a particular quality that people can notice with their noses:

Examples:

[ I ] My hands smell of onions.
[ I ] It smells like you’ve been baking in here.
[ L ] That soup smells good.
[ I ] Your feet smell (= have an unpleasant smell).

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