smell

/smɛl/

noun

  1. 1

    A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.

    I love the smell of fresh bread.
  2. 2

    The sense that detects odours.

  3. 3

    A conclusion or intuition that a situation is wrong, more complex than it seems, or otherwise inappropriate.

verb

  1. 1

    To sense a smell or smells.

    I can smell fresh bread.
  2. 2

    Followed by like or of if descriptive: to have a particular smell, whether good or bad.

    Her feet smell of cheese.
  3. 3

    (without a modifier) To smell bad; to stink.

    Ew, this stuff smells.
  4. 4

    To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savour.

    A report smells of calumny.
  5. 5

    To exercise sagacity.

  6. 6

    To detect or perceive; often with out.

  7. 7

    To give heed to.

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