1 B2 neutral
(Literal) To locate something by following its smell.
"The bloodhound scented out the missing hiker within two hours of being given the trail."
separable
scent out
B2 neutral separable transitive
To discover or locate something by smell, or by following subtle clues.
In plain English
To find something by smelling it, or to figure out something hidden by noticing small signs.
What does "scent out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
(Figurative) To discover or detect something hidden by means of intuition or careful observation.
"The journalist had a talent for scenting out corruption even when officials tried to hide it."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To find something by following its scent — transparent in literal use.
Actually means
To find something by smelling it, or to figure out something hidden by noticing small signs.
Usage tip
Used literally when describing animals (especially dogs) tracking by smell. Used figuratively in a somewhat literary or old-fashioned way to mean detecting something hidden. Less common than 'sniff out'.
Words that pair with "scent out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
prey danger truth trail opportunity motive
How to conjugate "scent out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
scent out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
scents out
he/she/it
Past simple
scented out
yesterday
Past participle
scented out
have + pp
-ing form
scenting out
continuous
Hear "scent out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "scent out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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