B1verbhealthfood
US/smel/
UK/smel/
to notice something with your nose, or to have a particular scent
In context
I can smell something burning in the kitchen.
This soup smells delicious; what did you put in it?
After the long trip, my shoes smelled terrible.
Words that go with smell
verb + preposition
- smell ofThe whole house smells of fresh bread in the morning.
- smell likeYour jacket smells like cigarettes; were you at a bar?
verb + noun
- smell smokeCall the fire service at once if you smell smoke.
- smell gasIf you smell gas, open the windows and leave the flat.
- smell a ratWhen he refused to show the receipts, I smelled a rat.
verb + adverb
- smell stronglyThe room still smelled strongly of fresh paint.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
This flower smells well.Correct: This flower smells good.