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.
smelled
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past participleof smell.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof smell.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
smellverb (used with object)to perceive the odor or scent of through the nose by means of the olfactory nerves; inhale the odor of.
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.
“It confirmed what the market already smelled: The calculus has shifted towards peace and lower prices at home.”
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026
"I was so close, I smelled the victory."
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
From wafting tar pits and smells of the beach to native plants and a chocolate factory, our readers smelled Los Angeles and told us about it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2026
“I saw thick smoke and smelled a strong odor of gunpowder,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
“It smelled like animal before, too,” Bat said.
From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold
