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

Others cannot even enter the wreckage to dig, so strong is the stench of human decay. —Rawan Sheikh Ahmad Saher Alghorra, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025

Examples of this include finding black mold, a fire hazard, rodents — or the powerful stench of animal urine. —Christopher Elliott, King Features Syndicate, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025

Meanwhile, South Korean officials are combing through more than 600 body parts, and the stench of blood remains in the air at the crash site, the Daily Mail reported. —Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Resins, oils, and waxes used in mummification served both practical and spiritual purposes, reflecting a belief in purity and an afterlife free from the stench of decay. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 14 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for stench

• clench
• drench
• quench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench
• entrench
• retrench
• workbench

Kids Definition

stench

noun

ˈstench 

: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1