smelling salts

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a usually scented aromatic preparation of ammonium carbonate and ammonia water used as a stimulant and restorative

Examples of smelling salts in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What Parents Can Do Parents should talk to their kids early about smelling salts before teens encounter them on the field or online. Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025 This was a brutal reality check; a sniff of the smelling salts Leeds have been working towards for the past two years. Beren Cross, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025 Players often use smelling salts for a quick jolt to their system. Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 8 Aug. 2025 Mayfield likely will not suffer any negative effects on the field from not being able to use smelling salts. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 2025 The ban only prohibits team employees from distributing smelling salts and other ammonia inhalants during pregame, halftime or games on the sideline or locker rooms. Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The league sent a memo to teams on Tuesday explaining the decision to ban smelling salts and any other ammonia inhalant during pregame activities, games and halftime on the sideline or locker rooms. Josh Dubow, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of smelling salts was in 1837

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Cite this Entry

“Smelling salts.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smelling%20salts. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

smelling salts

plural noun
: a strong-smelling preparation of ammonia in water used to wake someone who has fainted

Medical Definition

smelling salts

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a usually scented aromatic preparation of ammonium carbonate and ammonia water used as a stimulant and restorative
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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