Types of Smells

English has several specific words for smell depending on its source, and using the general word smell for everything sounds less precise. This lesson covers five common examples. A body smell is typically referred to as odor, a word often used in a slightly negative or clinical sense. The smell of flowers is called fragrance, a pleasant and often delicate scent. Perfume smell is simply called scent, a versatile word used for many pleasant smells. Food smell is called aroma, commonly used in cooking and dining contexts to describe an inviting smell. Finally, the smell of nature, like soil or rain, is often described as an earthy smell. Learning these specific words will help your English sound more precise and descriptive when talking about smells in everyday conversation, cooking, perfume, or nature. Practice using the right word depending on the source of the smell.