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.
Compared with both the water control and milk chocolate conditions, smelling dark chocolate was consistently associated with lower hunger, less desire and intention to eat, and greater feelings of fullness before exercise.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026
Experiencing it firsthand—walking through markets, smelling charcoal smoke and watching people cook—gave him a better understanding of how to build that depth of flavor into his own cooking.
From Salon ● Sep. 1, 2026
Kyle Shanahan must believe the olfactory exhilaration of smelling salts enhances his coaching ability.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
“People are seeing with their own eyes, and I think frankly smelling with their own nose,” Mr. Sabet, 47, says in a phone interview.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
“You can figure that out just by smelling it?”
From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas
