verb

smells

to have a scent, to detect an odor

The kitchen smells of fresh bread.

The kitchen smells of fresh bread.

The dog smells a rabbit.

The dog smells a rabbit.

((sth.)) smells ((adjective)) to have a particular kind of smell The kitchen smells nice.

((sth.)) smells ((of sth.)) to have the smell of something The room smells of paint.

((sb./sth.)) smells ((sth.)) to notice or recognize a smell The cat smells its food.

Synonyms: scent, aroma, odor (nouns); sniff (verb). Antonyms: stink, reek.

From Old English 'smell', related to Dutch 'smullen' (to feast).

Remember it can be used for both good and bad odors. Think of using your nose to sense the air.

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.