smelling salts

US: /ˈsmɛlɪŋ ˌsɔlts/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

smell•ing salts /ˈsmɛlɪŋ ˌsɔlts/  n. [plural]

1. a preparation for smelling, usually ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used to bring someone back to consciousness.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

smell′ing salts′, 

1. a preparation for smelling, essentially of ammonium carbonate with some agreeable scent, used as a stimulant and restorative.

• 1830–40

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

smelling salts noun:plural

1. a pungent preparation containing crystals of ammonium carbonate that has a stimulant action when sniffed in cases of faintness, headache, etc