stench

noun

1
: stink
2
: a characteristic repugnant quality
stenchful adjective
stenchy adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for stench

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of stench was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

stench

noun
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on stench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!