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

Blackwood, and a spotty defense on junk in front of the net, provided the smelling salts. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 14 May 2026

The Pitt invigorated audiences like a big sniff of smelling salts. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Jan. 2026

Some experts believe the effects of smelling salts are purely psychological. — Jason Jones, New York Times, 15 May 2026

The ban prohibited team personnel from providing or supplying smelling salts to players and coaches. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for smelling salts

• somersaults
• thunderbolts
• asphalts
• assaults
• basalts
• defaults
• exalts
• faults
• halts
• malts
• vaults
• waltz

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