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.
People who live within miles of factory farms report terrible stenches that keep them indoors and force them to have their windows closed. Sam Delgado, Vox, 17 Mar. 2025 The air is also laced with hydrogen sulfide, a gas infamous for its foul stench of rotten eggs and its ability to cause respiratory failure in high doses. Scott Travers, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025 The moose remains gave off an awful stench and usually were half buried under piles of dirt and debris clawed up by the grizzlies. Tom Stacer, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025 The stench of death would normally repel sightseers, not attract them. Max Butterworth, NBC News, 23 Jan. 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 Words

Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

stench

noun
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on stench

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