10 Best Words to Describe the Smell of the Ocean

Have you ever been on a beach, taken a big breath in, and smelled it? Most people love that smell, and it can be hard to put it into words. This article will look into how to describe the ocean and the way it smells.

The preferred words are “bracing,” “briny,” and “salty.” These words work best when you are talking about the air that comes from the sea. If you live locally or are walking along the coastline, you might want to use one of these words to describe the smell.

Words to Describe the Smell of the Ocean

1. Bracing

“Bracing” is one of the best words to describe the sea’s smell. It’s very common for native speakers to use this word because it refers to cool and windy weather.

The windier the weather near the sea, the easier it is for the smell to be carried around. That’s why it’s a great choice in this context.

The definition of “bracing,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “cold and perhaps windy.”

  • I love the bracing smell of the fresh air in the morning. There is nothing quite like it when you can roll out of bed and smell that.
  • The bracing sea breeze is all I need to start the day right. If you haven’t had a chance to experience it, you’re truly missing out.
  • I love the bracing sea air, and I hope to live in a coastal town like this forever. I don’t think I belong anywhere else.

2. Briny

“Briny” is a great synonym that specifically refers to the sea. “Brine” almost always relates to the ocean and sea, which is why you can use it to refer to any smell that you closely associate with the sea.

The definition of “briny,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “the sea.”

  • There’s a briny smell in the air, and I think I know what that means! We must be getting closer to the sea. I can’t wait!
  • I’m so happy living here because of the briny air around me. It helps to soothe me and allows me to get stuck in my work.
  • I love the briny smell that comes from this seaside port. It’s something that you can’t recreate unless you’re local to the coast.

3. Salty

“Salty” is a very effective synonym in this context. It works really well because it relates to the salt content of the ocean. Some people can smell salt, which is why they use this word to show that they’re close to the sea and enjoy the smell of it.

The definition of “salty,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “tasting of salt or containing a lot of salt.”

  • The air around here is salty, just like the sea. It’s so nice to wake up to because it feels like it brings your spirits back.
  • I think it’s pretty salty around here, and I’m not sure whether I enjoy that smell. I’m sure I’ll get used to it one of these days.
  • The saltiness in the air is perfect. It’s something I’ve always wanted to have in my life, making me feel like I’m back on the beach.

4. Sea Breeze

“Sea breeze” is a simple way to talk about the smell. It specifically refers to the wind around the sea, but that wind is instrumental in making sure the smell is passed from person to person.

Most people see a “sea breeze” as a calming effect. If you can smell it as it goes past you, you’ll find yourself being whisked away to a more comfortable place.

The definition of “breeze,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a light and pleasant wind.”

  • The sea breeze is everything to me. I don’t think I’d ever be thrilled without a whiff of it. That’s why I moved to the coast.
  • I wish I could smell the calming sea breeze every day. It’s such a luscious smell, yet many people seem to miss out on it.
  • If you could describe the smell of the sea breeze to me, that would be great. I’d love to hear what you have to say about it.

5. Fishy

Not everyone likes the smell of the sea. It’s worth having a negative synonym ready to go, just in case you find someone who doesn’t like the smell. “Fishy” is a great way to describe the smell of the ocean if you’re not keen on it.

It works well because it shows that you can smell the “fish” in the ocean. Most people don’t like the smell of fish, and it’s commonly associated with a rotten smell. That’s why it could be a more negative word.

The definition of “fishy,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “tasting or smelling of fish.”

  • I think it smells a bit fishy around here. I really don’t like living in this area because of the smell! I want to move.
  • It’s too fishy. I wish it didn’t have to smell like that, but I suppose it could be worse. I’ve managed to make do with it so far.
  • Do you like this smell? I think it’s far too fishy! I wish it didn’t have to smell that bad around here! I can’t handle it.

6. Crisp

“Crisp” is a great word to use for the smell of the sea. It’s most effective when you live in a chilly area, as “crisp” usually refers to things being cool.

The definition of “crisp,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “cold, dry, and bright.”

  • I think the crisp sea air is exactly what I’m looking for right now. I need something that’ll help to revitalize my senses in the morning.
  • If it wasn’t for the crisp sea smell around you, you wouldn’t be able to focus, would you? You’re not a morning person.
  • I think you’re missing out! You need to experience the crisp air before you knock it! It’s truly one of the nicest things on this earth.

7. Icy

“Icy” is another great synonym that works best in cooler climates. If you want to show that the smell around the ocean comes from the cooling winds, you can use a word like “icy.”

“Icy” doesn’t necessarily have a smell, so it’s not the most common choice. Nevertheless, it’s still fairly popular, and you shouldn’t be surprised to hear native speakers using a word like this to describe the ocean’s smell.

The definition of “icy,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “extremely cold.”

  • The air smells a bit icy this morning, thanks to the ocean around us. It sits at the back of your throat when you inhale it.
  • I love the icy smell of the sea in the morning. Nothing hits my nose quite like it, and I want to be around here forever.
  • What do you think about the icy sea smell? It truly is something special. I wish I could come back here all the time.

8. Fresh

“Fresh” is another great one relating to the cooling smells around the ocean. It specifically means that there is a wind that carries the smell around the beach or seaside. That’s why it works in this context.

The definition of “fresh,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “cool, sometimes with wind.”

  • The fresh smell of the sea is my favorite part of the day. I hope you’ll be able to come here sometime to experience it yourself.
  • I think it’s the fresh smell that’s helped you to wake up. I think you let it hit your nostrils and allowed yourself to feel it.
  • Why does it smell so fresh around here? Has it got something to do with our proximity to the sea? I like it.

9. Cold

“Cold” is not a very popular choice to refer to a smell. Nevertheless, it still works when you want to show that something is cold, and the cooling winds might be blowing the smell of the ocean around you.

The definition of “cold,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “cold weather or temperatures.”

  • I didn’t know that something could smell cold, but that’s the word I would use to describe the sea right now.
  • It’s a cold and fresh smell, but I love it so much. I think it’s one of the best smells in the world, and I wouldn’t change it.
  • I know it’s quite cold in the air, but can you smell it? Can you smell how wonderful the sea is in the morning?

10. Dry

Technically, using “dry” is counterintuitive. After all, the sea is wet. However, “dry” works well when referring to a specific smell from the sea. It works best when you want to show that the weather is dry and hot, which creates an interesting parallel for the sea smell.

The definition of “dry,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “used to describe weather or periods of time when no rain falls.”

  • I think the dry smell of the air is because of the sea, you know. I think somehow the sea has sucked all the moisture away.
  • I love the dry smell of the ocean. You don’t get it all that often, but it truly is a remarkable sensation.
  • The evening smells along the coast come from the dryness of the ocean. I know that sounds counterintuitive, but it’s true!