Language Research

smell · verb

/smel/Full view

smell of/like; smell delicious/horrible, etc.

B1 to have a particular quality that people notice by using their nose

Dictionary examples:

I've been cooking, so my hands smell of garlic.

That soup smells delicious - what's in it?

Learner example:

When [the rain stops,] you can see the trees and flowers with water on their leaves. And they smell so good! (Preliminary English Test; B1; Russian)

smell (USE NOSE)

B1 T to notice something by using your nose

Dictionary examples:

Come and smell these flowers!

Do you smell something burning?

Learner example:

You can smell the salt of the sea when you arrive. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

smell (UNPLEASANT)

B1 I to have an unpleasant smell

Dictionary example:

Your running shoes really smell!

Learner example:

Just be car[e]ful, in some places in the countryside it smells really bad. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

smell (ABILITY)

B2 I to have the ability to notice or discover that a substance is present by using your nose

Dictionary examples:

Humans can't smell as well as dogs.

What I hate most about having a cold is not being able to smell.

smell · noun

/smel/

smell (CHARACTERISTIC)

B1 C the quality something has that you notice by using your nose

Dictionary examples:

What's your favorite smell?

I love the smell of orange blossom.

The market was filled with delightful smells.

There's a delicious smell in here.

Learner example:

The garlic bread is lovely with the smell of garlic. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Thai)

smell (ABILITY)

B2 U the ability to notice smells

Dictionary examples:

Smell is one of the five senses.

Dogs have a very good sense of smell.

smell (UNPLEASANT)

B2 C an unpleasant smell

Dictionary example:

I wish I could get rid of that smell in the bathroom.

Learner example:

People who were on the bus wondered where that smell came from. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)