fume

[fjuːm]

Language▾

German

Persian

Russian

Spanish

fumes - fume

A fume is a bad smell or odor that's unpleasant and annoying.

When people talk about fumes, they usually mean strong smells that are coming from something like gasoline, paint, or even chemicals. You might hear someone say "I'm getting fumes from this car" meaning the engine is leaking gas, or "Don't breathe in too deep, these fumes from the paint can be bad for you". The word "fume" can also mean a stream of something like smoke or vapor rising up into the air. For example, if you see a factory chimney spewing out fumes high above the city, it's not just a pretty sight – it's usually an indication of pollution.

How common is "fume"?

Word fume is considered uncommon in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

noun

A gas or vapour/vapor that is strong-smelling or dangerous to inhale.
Example: Don't stand around in there breathing the fumes while the adhesive cures.
A material that has been vaporized from the solid or liquid state to the gas state and re-coalesced to the solid state.
Example: Lead fume is a greyish powder, mainly comprising lead sulfate.
Rage or excitement which deprives the mind of self-control.
Example: the fumes of passion
Anything unsubstantial or airy; idle conceit; vain imagination.
The incense of praise; inordinate flattery.
A passionate person.

1 / 6

verb

To expose (something) to fumes; specifically, to expose wood, etc., to ammonia in order to produce dark tints.
To apply or offer incense to.
To emit fumes.
To pass off in fumes or vapours.
To express or feel great anger.
Example: He’s still fuming about the argument they had yesterday.
To be as in a mist; to be dulled and stupefied.

1 / 6

Real examples of "fumes" in context

Jason Momoa on Stealing from Aquaman Set, Love of Motorcycles & Making a Family Knife with His Kids

Interview

The smell of fumes is still almost overwhelming me here.

8:16

Henry Cavill on His Warhammer Hobby, the Least Searched Questions About Him & Grilling on Set