Smell: meaning, definitions and examples

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smell

[ smɛl ]

Noun / Verb

Oxford 3000

^{Context #1 | Noun}

sense

The faculty or power of perceiving odors or scents by means of the organs in the nose; the sense of smell.

Synonyms

aroma, odor, scent.

Examples of usage

Dogs have a much keener sense of smell than humans.
The smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

detect

Perceive or detect the odor or scent of (something).

Synonyms

detect, scent, sniff.

Examples of usage

She could smell the delicious aroma of the stew cooking in the kitchen.
I could smell smoke in the air.

Translations

Translations of the word "smell" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cheiro

🇮🇳 गंध

🇩🇪 Geruch

🇮🇩 bau

🇺🇦 запах

🇵🇱 zapach

🇯🇵 匂い (におい)

🇫🇷 odeur

🇪🇸 olor

🇹🇷 koku

🇰🇷 냄새

🇸🇦 رائحة

🇨🇿 vůně

🇸🇰 vôňa

🇨🇳 气味 (qìwèi)

🇸🇮 vonj

🇮🇸 lykt

🇰🇿 иіс

🇬🇪 სუნი

🇦🇿 qoxu

🇲🇽 olor

Etymology

The word 'smell' originated from the Old English 'smylten' which meant to emit or emit a smell. Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass the sense of perceiving odors. The sense of smell is one of the oldest and most important senses in humans and animals, playing a crucial role in survival and social interactions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,460, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

...
4457 reproduction
4458 talks
4459 combine
4460 smell
4461 dialogue
4462 supplement
4463 literally
...