Smelly/ˈsmeli/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation Used to express disapproval or disgust when something smells bad. I had to leave the room because it was smelly. Pro Tip 2/3Casual Usage Common in informal conversations, less appropriate in formal writing. My gym bag is smelly after a week of workouts. Pro Tip 3/3Subjectivity What is smelly to one person may not be to another; perception of smell varies. She finds cheese smelly, but I love the aroma.