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.
All these ailments seem to ebb and flow along with the toxic stench of the wastewater. Kimberly Dickson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2025 In addition to beach closures, Navy SEALs and recruits train near the toxic runoff and children and some elderly residents on the U.S. side of the border have gotten sick because of the stench from the runoff, said Desmond. Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The coop is empty and cavernous, the air still heavy with the stench of chicken waste. Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 21 Mar. 2025 The Miami Herald reported that detainees are sleeping on cement floors amid the stench of body odor and raw sewage. Clara-Sophia Daly, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 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 30 Apr. 2025.

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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