# fume

/ˈfjum/ (US) · /fjˈuːm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fume
Updated: 2026-10-17

## Definition

strong smoke or gas that smells bad and can hurt your eyes, throat, or lungs.

For teachers: irritating smoke, gas, or vapour released by fire, fuel, or chemicals.

## Examples

- The car gives off thick fumes in the garage.
- The workers open the windows because paint fumes fill the small room.
- Diesel fumes hang over the morning traffic jam while commuters wait with windows closed against the acrid air.

## Usage notes

- Most commonly used in the plural as 'fumes' with plural verb agreement.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.