smell */*/

I UK [smel] / US noun
Word forms "smell":
singular smell plural smells

1)

a) [countable] the pleasant or unpleasant quality of something that you notice when you breathe in through your nose

This paint gives off a very strong smell.

unpleasant smells

smell of:

There's a delicious smell of fresh bread coming from the kitchen.

b) an unpleasant smell

Whatever is that smell?

••

See:

aroma

2) [uncountable] the ability to notice or recognize smells

Some experts can tell by smell alone what ingredients are in a dish.

sense of smell:

Dogs have an excellent sense of smell.

3) [countable, usually singular] an instance of smelling something

Have a smell of this perfume.

II UK [smel] / US verb
Word forms "smell":
present tense I/you/we/they smell he/she/it smells present participle smelling past tense smelled or smelt UK [smelt] / US past participle smelled or smelt

1)

a) [linking verb] to have a particular smell

This room smells a bit damp.

a strong-smelling perfume

This milk smells off (= no longer fresh).

smell of:

The laboratory smelled strongly of chemicals.

smell like:

It smells like a bar in here.

b) [intransitive, never progressive] to have an unpleasant smell

His feet really smell.

2) [transitive, never progressive] to notice or recognize the smell of something

Sasha could smell the sweet aroma of warm chocolate.

Do you smell gas?

3) [transitive] to experience the smell of something by putting your nose close to it

Come and smell these roses.

4) [intransitive, never progressive] to be able to experience the smell of things

I can't smell at all with this cold.

5) [transitive] to feel that something is going to happen, usually something bad

smell danger/trouble:

I could just smell trouble in that club.

6) [intransitive] to be illegal or dishonest

I can't put my finger on it, but something about this deal really smells.

•

- smell blood

- smell a rat

See:

rose I