# olfactory

/oʊɫˈfæktɝi/ (US) · /ɒlfˈæktəɹˌi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/olfactory
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

relating to your sense of smell. You use this word when talking about how the nose and brain process different scents.

For teachers: relating to the sense of smell or the organs involved in smelling. Often used in biological or medical contexts to describe nerves, bulbs, or stimuli.

## Examples

- The kitchen was filled with a wonderful olfactory delight.
- Dogs have a much more developed olfactory system than humans, allowing them to track scents over long distances.
- The novelist used rich olfactory imagery to transport readers to the damp, spice-filled markets of the ancient port city.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in technical, scientific, or formal descriptive contexts; often precedes nouns like 'system', 'nerve', or 'sense'.

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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.