smelling
/ˈsmɛlɪŋ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: smellings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Used in adjectival compounds.
Verb
Examples
foul-smelling (having a foul smell)
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The act by which something is smelled.
Noun
Examples
To such perceivings we give names like these: seeings, hearings, smellings, chillings and burnings, pleasures and pains, desires […]
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “smelling” mean?
Used in adjectival compounds.
Is “smelling” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.