How to Pronounce Smell

To pronounce "smell", say SMELL — one syllable, IPA /smɛl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

smell

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllable

Letters

/smɛl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “smell”

"smell" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with compel and propel, if that helps it stick.

What does smell mean?

noun

A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.
“I love the smell of fresh bread.”
The sense that detects odours.

verb

To sense a smell or smells.
“I can smell fresh bread.”
Followed by like or of if descriptive: to have a particular smell, whether good or bad.
“Her feet smell of cheese.”

Synonyms

olfaction sense of smell detect sense pong reek stink whiff

Words that rhyme with smell

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

compel propel impel quell citadel ravel swell tell dwell shell cell expel

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "smell"?▾

"Smell" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "smell"?▾

The IPA transcription of "smell" is /smɛl/.

What does "smell" mean?▾

Smell: A sensation, pleasant or unpleasant, detected by inhaling air (or, the case of water-breathing animals, water) carrying airborne molecules of a substance.

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