Whiffs: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used for brief and often fleeting smells. It can sometimes imply a less pleasant or more fleeting nature of the smell.

• I caught a whiff of freshly baked bread as I walked by the bakery.
• She got a whiff of his cologne when he passed by.

A more neutral term that can describe both pleasant and unpleasant smells. It is also commonly used in relation to animals or nature.

• The forest had a fresh, earthy scent after the rain.
• The scent of lavender was calming.

Used for pleasant and often luxurious scents, frequently related to perfumes, flowers, or scented products.

• Her perfume had a sweet fragrance that lingered in the air.
• The fragrance of blooming roses filled the garden.

Typically used for pleasant smells, often associated with food, beverages, or spices.

• The aroma of fresh coffee filled the kitchen.
• The chef prepared a dish with an enticing aroma.

Best used when referring to a brief or faint smell, often when noticing something in passing.

• I caught brief whiffs of freshly baked bread as I walked by the bakery
• She got whiffs of perfume every time the door opened

Commonly used to describe an act of using the nose to investigate or search for a smell, often implying a deliberate action.

• The dog sniffed around the garden for any new scents
• She took a moment to sniff the flowers before buying them

Used when identifying or discovering the presence of something, especially with effort or precision.

• The scientist was able to detect a hint of sulfur in the sample
• He could detect the scent of gas in the air

Appropriate when talking about recognizing or perceiving something through intuition or with any of the senses.

• She could sense his discomfort from the expression on his face
• He sensed a strange smell coming from the kitchen