smell

²smell

noun

Definition of SMELL

1

: the property of a thing that affects the olfactory organs : odor

2

a : the process, function, or power of smelling b : the sense concerned with the perception of odor

3

a : a very small amount : trace <add only a smell of garlic> b : a pervading or characteristic quality : aura <the smell of affluence, of power — Harry Hervey>

4

: an act or instance of smelling

Examples of SMELL

1. the distinctive smell of onions
2. Dogs have a keen sense of smell.

First Known Use of SMELL

12th century

Related to SMELL

Synonyms: aroma, odor, redolence, scent, sniff

Related Words: whiff; attar (also otto), bouquet, fragrance, fragrancy, perfume; ambrosia, lusciousness, savor (also savour), savoriness, spice, tang; acridness, fetidness, fetor, foulness, funk, gaminess, malodor, noisomeness, rancidity, rankness, reek, stench, stink; aromaticity, odoriferousness, odorousness; incense, musk

Near Antonyms: abundance, barrel, boatload, bucket, bundle, bushel, deal, fistful, gobs, heaps, lashings (also lashins) [chiefly British], loads, lot, mass, mess, mountain, much, oodles, passel, peck, pile, plenty, potful, profusion, quantity, raft, reams, scads, stack, wad, wealth; volume; bonanza, embarrassment, excess, overabundance, overage, overflow, overkill, overmuch, oversupply, superabundance, superfluity, surfeit, surplus; chunk, hunk, lump, slab

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Synonym Discussion of SMELL

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense. smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character <an odd smell permeated the room>. scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant <the scent of lilacs>. odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell <a cheese with a strong odor>. aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor <the aroma of freshly ground coffee>.