smelling salts

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a preparation for smelling, essentially of ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used as a stimulant and restorative.

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smelling salts British  

plural noun

1. a pungent preparation containing crystals of ammonium carbonate that has a stimulant action when sniffed in cases of faintness, headache, etc

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Etymology

Origin of smelling salts

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

smelling salts

It's the stuff of smelling salts and stretchers.

From BBC ● May 9, 2026

The NFL came to his rescue, saying smelling salts — also known as ammonia inhalants, or AIs — were not banned.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

“I’m a regular user of smelling salts, taking them for a boost of energy before every offensive drive,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

The noted Roman naturalist and historian was indeed an early expert in fermentation, yet he also wrote about “sal ammoniac” — yes, smelling salts — in his encyclopedic work “Natural History,” published in 79 A.D.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

These heroines were always willowy and managed to land in graceful postures of repose, and were revived with the merest passing of a decorated flagon of smelling salts under their noses.

From "The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate" by Jacqueline Kelly