smell
verb (used with object)
to perceive the odor or scent of through the nose by means of the olfactory nerves; inhale the odor of.
smelling
-
present participleof smell.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A citizens' group said on social media that one resident in the street where the explosion happened had alerted authorities after smelling a possible gas leak.
From Barron's ● Sep. 26, 2026
Cats displayed this response more often when smelling unfamiliar urine than when smelling their own.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026
Casting his mind back, Uttam remembered that he decided to go outside, after smelling smoke, to check what was happening.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
Especially during high-traffic times, after waiting in line, you’d pick up a phone still warm from the grip of the inmate who’d just been using it, the receiver still smelling like his breath.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 2026
“Thank you. They’re beautiful,” Mamá said, putting her nose into the bouquet and smelling them.
From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall
