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.
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
Compared with both the water control and milk chocolate conditions, smelling dark chocolate was consistently associated with lower hunger, less desire and intention to eat, and greater feelings of fullness before exercise.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 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
Winds and continued heat are still helping to fan the flames with some tourists reporting smelling acrid smoke like a "bonfire" far outside the affected areas.
From BBC ● Jul. 25, 2026
Bone ships swarmed beneath us like sharks smelling blood.
From "Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky" by Kwame Mbalia
