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.
Not only would Floridians have to suffer the stench, but auto insurance rates would likely rise due to the increase of vehicular accidents. Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2024 The brutally humid, sauna-like subway station platforms, the foul rotting sidewalk garbage stench that fills the air once temps hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and… sun damage in the form of hyperpigmentation. Sarah Kinonen, Allure, 26 Nov. 2024 The Tide finally had cleansed the stench of October losses at Vanderbilt and Tennessee and could write their ticket to Atlanta. Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 Pervading everything, the overwhelming stench of rotting flesh mixed with concrete dust at the scene where 23 people including two children were killed, according to local officials. Matt Bradley, NBC News, 19 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stench

Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

stench

noun
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on stench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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