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.
are smelling
-
present progressiveof smell.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
"Manchester City are smelling blood," former Manchester United defender Gary Neville said on Sky Sports.
From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026
“As our professor, Tite, says, ‘You are smelling goal,’ ” Richarlison said.
From Washington Post ● Nov. 24, 2022
“At that point, you are smelling chocolate and it smells like dirt or dog poop. … I don’t think we really know exactly how long this might go on.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 4, 2021
Also, as Bouchard noted, “we don’t shower” in the early days, to let the pups get a clear sense of who they are smelling.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 20, 2017
The mother heard this song and ran out of their house to sing back to the girl before she could come in: Go away, you are smelling.
From "The Girl Who Married a Lion: and Other Tales from Africa" by Alexander Mccall Smith
