smell meaning and definition

SMELL noun

Definition of smell (noun)

1. the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
   • "she loved the smell of roses"
   • synonyms: odor, odour, olfactory perception, olfactory sensation
2. any property detected by the olfactory system
   • synonyms: aroma, odor, odour, olfactory property, scent
3. the general atmosphere of a place or situation and the effect that it has on people
   • "the feel of the city excited him"; "a clergyman improved the tone of the meeting"; "it had the smell of treason"
   • synonyms: feel, feeling, flavor, flavour, look, spirit, tone
4. the faculty that enables us to distinguish scents
   • synonyms: olfaction, olfactory modality, sense of smell
5. the act of perceiving the odor of something
   • synonyms: smelling

SMELL verb

Definition of smell (verb)

1. inhale the odor of; perceive by the olfactory sense
2. emit an odor
   • "The soup smells good"
3. smell bad
   • "He rarely washes, and he smells"
4. have an element suggestive (of something)
   • "his speeches smacked of racism"; "this passage smells of plagiarism"
   • synonyms: reek, smack
5. become aware of not through the senses but instinctively
   • "I sense his hostility"; "i smell trouble"; "smell out corruption"
   • synonyms: sense, smell out