Definition Definition

smell - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'smell' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Smell [ n.]
- To perceive by the olfactory nerves, or organs of smell; to have a sensation of, excited through the nasal organs when affected by the appropriate materials or qualities; to obtain the scent of; as, to smell a rose; to smell perfumes.
- To detect or perceive, as if by the sense of smell; to scent out; -- often with out.
- To give heed to.
2 . Smell [ v. i.]
- To affect the olfactory nerves; to have an odor or scent; -- often followed by of; as, to smell of smoke, or of musk.
- To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savor; as, a report smells of calumny.
- To exercise the sense of smell.
- To exercise sagacity.
3 . Smell [ v. t.]
- The sense or faculty by which certain qualities of bodies are perceived through the instrumentally of the olfactory nerves. See Sense.
- The quality of any thing or substance, or emanation therefrom, which affects the olfactory organs; odor; scent; fragrance; perfume; as, the smell of mint.

Meaning of 'smell' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . smell [ n]
Meaning (1):
- the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
Example in sentence:
  • a clergyman improved the tone of the meeting;
  • it had the smell of treason;
  • the feel of the city excited him
Meaning (2):
- the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
Example in sentence:
  • she loved the smell of roses
3 . smell [ v]
Meaning (3):
- smell bad
Example in sentence:
  • He rarely washes, and he smells
Meaning (4):
- have an element suggestive (of something)
Example in sentence:
  • his speeches smacked of racism;
  • this passage smells of plagiarism
Meaning (5):
- become aware of not through the senses but instinctively
Example in sentence:
  • I sense his hostility;
  • I smell trouble;
  • smell out corruption
Meaning (6):
- emit an odor
Example in sentence:
  • The soup smells good

Nearby Words:

smear smear dab smeared smearing smeary smeath smectite smee smeeth smegma

See 'smell' also in:

Dictionary.com Google Translator Wikipedia.com Merriam Webster

Categories

Browse Dictionary