stench

noun

ˈstench 

1

: stink

2

: a characteristic repugnant quality

stenchful

ˈstench-fəl 

adjective

stenchy

ˈsten-chē 

adjective

Synonyms

• funk
• reek
• stink

Examples of stench in a Sentence

the stench of rotting meat

we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement

Recent Examples on the Web

Biden and his team recognized the error instantly and wrongly bet that his intentions mattered more than the offense, that his reputation would overpower any stench of sloppiness. —Philip Elliott, TIME, 24 June 2024

Municipal workers in Mexico needed to spread quicklime over the dead fish that once swam in the Bustillos Lagoon to reduce the stench. —Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 10 June 2024

So Trump had the dump and stench removed and replaced with a beautiful and scenic golf course. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 22 May 2024

Clacton-on-Sea, England CNN — At the end of Clacton Pier, where the salty North Sea breeze tangles with the sickly stench of the nearby amusement hall, a row of amateur fishermen gaze way off past the horizon, towards Europe. —Rob Picheta, CNN, 16 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English stenc; akin to Old English stincan to emit a smell — more at stink

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

stench

noun

ˈstench 

: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1