What does smelliest mean?
“Smelliest” is the superlative form of the adjective “smelly” and means having the strongest odor, most often an unpleasant one. It is used when comparing several people, places, animals, objects, or situations: “The cellar was the smelliest part of the house.” Although its literal meaning concerns the intensity of smell, the word is especially common in contexts where an odor is offensive, stale, dirty, or difficult to tolerate. It can also be used more broadly to describe something highly conspicuous or memorable through its smell. For example, a dish might be called “the smelliest cheese in the shop” if its aroma is unusually powerful. The related comparative “smellier” is needed when making a two-way comparison, while “smelliest” identifies the most smelly member of a group.
adjectiveThe superlative of smelly: having the strongest or most unpleasant smell.
- Having the strongest smell.
- Having the most unpleasant or offensive smell.
"The abandoned refrigerator was the smelliest thing in the entire kitchen."
"We opened the window because the kitchen was suddenly the smelliest room in the house."
"The sock was the smelliest item she found in his laundry basket."
Some smells are so distinctive that “the smelliest” can turn a passing remark into a vivid memory.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of smelliest
The word belongs to the English family of “smell” and “smelly.” “Smell” developed in Middle English from Old English terms associated with smelling and is also connected with Old English “smyllan,” meaning to smell or perceive by scent. The adjective “smelly” was formed within English from “smell,” and its superlative “smelliest” follows the regular English pattern of adding “-iest” to comparative adjectives ending in “-y.”
Related word forms
How smelliest is actually used
In everyday use, “smelliest” usually implies an unpleasant odor, though it can literally mean the item with the strongest scent. The spelling is standard in both British and American English.
Easily confused with smelliest
“Smelliest” is the superlative and means the most smelly, while “smellier” is the comparative and means more smelly.