To Smell

1. (transitive) To sense a smell or smells. Synonyms: detect, sense
2. (intransitive, copulative) Followed by like or of if descriptive: to have a particular smell, whether good or bad. Synonyms: (informal) pong, reek, stink, (informal; these words refer to unpleasant smells) whiff
3. (intransitive, without a modifier) To smell bad; to stink.
4. (intransitive, figurative) To have a particular tincture or smack of any quality; to savour.
5. To detect or perceive; often with out.
6. (obsolete) To give heed to.
7. (transitive) To smell of; to have a smell of

Usage notes

• The sense “to smell bad, stink” is considered by some to be an incorrect (euphemistic) substitute for stink.