smell

smell · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To perceive odor through the nose.

  2. 2.

    To have an odor.

  3. 3.

    [as noun]The faculty of smelling; an odor.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    smell a rat — To suspect something wrong.
  • •
    wake up and smell the coffee — Face reality.

Related words

See also: odor, scent, sniff
Synonyms: odor, scent, sniff

Etymology

From Middle English smellen, of uncertain origin.