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.
The Seahawks, defending Super Bowl champions, got a collective whiff of smelling salts before Sunday’s game, having suffered an embarrassing loss at Washington a week earlier.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2026
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
Drivers who use air fresheners are just trying to keep their cars smelling good between passengers, says Chris Gerace, who’s been driving for Uber and Lyft for a decade.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026
“Did we oversleep?” he said, groggy, smelling the air.
From "The Teacher’s Funeral" by Richard Peck
