To call a faint smell of something a 'hint' (of that thing) is quite normal English. A hint of lavender, of smoke, of urine, of cheese, perfume. Another very commonly used word is 'whiff'.

faint smell noun

These are words and phrases related to faint smell.

WHIFF

Synonyms

whiff, scent, odor/odour, aroma, bouquet, sniff, smell, breath, hint, trace, soupçon

Synonyms of faint smell in English (Cambridge Dictionary)

To call a faint smell of something a 'hint' (of that thing) is quite normal English. A hint of lavender, of smoke, of urine, of cheese, of perfume. Another very commonly used word is 'whiff'.

faint smell noun

These are words and phrases related to faint smell.

WHIFF

Synonyms

whiff, scent, odor/odour, aroma, bouquet, sniff, smell, breath, hint, trace, soupçon

Synonyms of faint smell in English (Cambridge Dictionary)