putrid

adjective

pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
1
a
: being in a state of putrefaction : rotten
b
: of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction : foul
a putrid odor
2
a
: morally corrupt
b
: totally objectionable
putridity noun
putridly adverb
Choose the Right Synonym for putrid

malodorous, stinking, fetid, noisome, putrid, rank, fusty, musty mean bad-smelling.

malodorous may range from the unpleasant to the strongly offensive.

malodorous fertilizers

stinking and fetid suggest the foul or disgusting.

prisoners were held in stinking cells
the fetid odor of skunk cabbage

noisome adds a suggestion of being harmful or unwholesome as well as offensive.

a stagnant, noisome sewer

putrid implies particularly the sickening odor of decaying organic matter.

the putrid smell of rotting fish

rank suggests a strong unpleasant smell.

rank cigar smoke

fusty and musty suggest lack of fresh air and sunlight, fusty also implying prolonged uncleanliness, musty stressing the effects of dampness, mildew, or age.

a fusty attic
the musty odor of a damp cellar

Examples of putrid in a Sentence

a putrid shade of green the putrid remains of a dead raccoon on the side of the highway
Recent Examples on the Web The ride is nothing less than rough and gas mileage estimates are putrid, 13 miles per gallon in city driving, 18 mpg on the highway. James Raia, The Mercury News, 25 Feb. 2024 The Buccaneers’ offense is inconsistent, but Philadelphia’s defense is putrid to the point Mike Evans might have some vertical opportunities. Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY, 12 Jan. 2024 These putrid numbers came after scoring just 17.7 points per game in 2022 (123rd in FBS) and its 251.6 yards per game were second-last. Christopher Kuhagen, Journal Sentinel, 29 Jan. 2024 By 2022, Bird’s economics were still putrid, with growth coming mainly from producing more scooters to put in new markets. Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 25 Jan. 2024 That seepage has fueled bacteria growth within the Sylmar landfill, giving rise to putrid odors that have nauseated students and staff at a local elementary school. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2023 The bodies were discovered in early October after neighbors noticed a putrid smell. CBS News, 12 Jan. 2024 Since at least spring, acres of garbage have been smoldering in a closed portion of the Castaic landfill, causing contaminated water to burst onto surrounding hillsides and sending putrid odors into surrounding neighborhoods. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2023 Granada Hills resident Erick Fefferman, whose 6-year-old son attends Van Gogh, said the school has canceled recess at least once this year in response to putrid smells and at times has refrained from having students line up outside the building in the morning. Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'putrid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin putridus, from putrēre to be rotten, from puter, putris rotten; akin to Latin putēre to stink — more at foul entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of putrid was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near putrid

Cite this Entry

“Putrid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/putrid. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

putrid

adjective
pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
1
a
: being in a state of putrefaction : rotten
putrid meat
b
: characteristic of putrefaction : foul
a putrid odor
2
: morally objectionable

Medical Definition

putrid

adjective
pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd How to pronounce putrid (audio)
1
: being in a state of putrefaction
2
: of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction
a putrid odor

More from Merriam-Webster on putrid

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