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 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

Earlier this season, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that 49ers players created a system to make sure everyone has immediate access to smelling salts during games.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 12, 2026

While the issue is likely to be considered by World Rugby's advisory panel of concussion experts at their next scheduled meeting in September, there is no intention to convene to discuss smelling salts before then.

From BBC ● Aug. 6, 2025

She came running with smelling salts, but she got it too close to her mistress’s nose.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes