Word Finder
What's the word for the smell of rain after a long dry spell?
The word you're looking for
Petrichor is the pleasant smell in the air after rain, especially after a long dry period. It is the best single word for this concept.
Other words that fit
Use this for the earthy compound that helps create the rain smell, not the smell itself.
Use this when you mean a fresh, sharp smell after rain, especially after lightning.
Use this for a smell linked to wet clay or soil, but it is much less common.
Why this word
Petrichor is the common word for the fresh, earthy smell that comes after rain on dry ground. People often use it for the scent after the first rain of the season. It is not the same as the smell of rain itself in every situation, but it is the closest and most natural word. In everyday English, this is the word most learners want for this idea.
In context
- I love the petrichor after summer rain.
- The petrichor filled the garden.
- We stood outside and enjoyed the petrichor.
Other concepts to find a word for
Frequently asked questions
- Is petrichor a real English word?
- Yes. It is a real word, and it is now fairly common in writing and speech.
- Does petrichor mean the rain smell itself?
- Mostly yes, but it usually means the pleasant earthy smell after rain hits dry ground.
- Can I use petrichor in casual English?
- Yes, but it sounds a little literary or poetic, not very everyday.