SmellBook

DESCRIPTOR VOCABULARY

Words are one of the main ways we make smell visible.

These early descriptor pages organize plain-language smell qualities without pretending they are objective measurements.

01

Fresh

A bright, newly aired or recently changed sensory impression.

46 related profiles ↗
02

Green

Leafy, stemmy, botanical or plant-like freshness.

29 related profiles ↗
03

Woody

Dry grain, timber, pencil-shaving or forest-like character.

26 related profiles ↗
04

Mineral

Stone, damp surface and cool non-sweet impressions.

10 related profiles ↗
05

Warm

A heat-associated, comforting or softly enveloping smell direction.

48 related profiles ↗
06

Citrus

Bright peel-like freshness ranging from juicy to bitter and aromatic.

6 related profiles ↗
07

Floral

Flower and petal-associated smell language.

10 related profiles ↗
08

Roasted

Heat-developed dark, toasted and browned aromatic character.

11 related profiles ↗
09

Salty

Marine, coastal and salt-air associations.

4 related profiles ↗
10

Dry

Low-humidity, paper, wood or powder-like perception.

45 related profiles ↗
11

Clean

A cultural and sensory idea of freshness, order and washed materials.

34 related profiles ↗
12

Bitter

Sharp, peel-like, roasted or green-edged aromatic character.

8 related profiles ↗
13

Fruity

Fresh, ripe or juicy fruit-associated smell language.

18 related profiles ↗
14

Sweet

Sugary, honeyed, creamy or dessert-associated aromatic character.

21 related profiles ↗
15

Creamy

Soft, rounded dairy, cosmetic or rich texture-like smell language.

11 related profiles ↗
16

Herbal

Leafy aromatic herb and dried-plant directions.

11 related profiles ↗
17

Pungent

Strong, sharp food or product smells that feel immediately present.

7 related profiles ↗
18

Smoky

Smoke, ash, charred or resin-burning smell directions.

6 related profiles ↗
19

Industrial

Manufactured, transport, workshop and material-forward smell language.

21 related profiles ↗
20

Paper

Paper, print, book and packaging smell directions.

14 related profiles ↗
21

Fabric

Textile, laundry and soft-fiber smell directions.

21 related profiles ↗
22

Powdery

Fine, soft, cosmetic or dust-like smell character.

4 related profiles ↗
23

Animalic

Animal, fur, body or warm organic smell character.

4 related profiles ↗
24

Waxy

Wax, honey and soft lipid-like material smell character.

3 related profiles ↗
25

Tropical

Fruit and product smell language associated with warm-climate fruit and holiday cues.

5 related profiles ↗
26

Spicy

Warm, pungent or aromatic spice character.

6 related profiles ↗
27

Grain

Rice, corn, bread and cereal-like food smell directions.

6 related profiles ↗
28

Stored

Low-airflow, aged, boxed or seasonally stored smell character.

6 related profiles ↗
29

Tangy

Bright sour or cultured smell character in food and fruit.

5 related profiles ↗