stench

1 of 2

noun

ˈstench 

1

: stink

2

: a characteristic repugnant quality

the stench of corruption

stenchful

ˈstench-fəl 

adjective

stenchy

ˈsten-chē 

adjective

stenchy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈstenchē 

-er/-est

: having a stench

Synonyms of stench

Noun

• stink
• reek

Examples of stench in a Sentence

Noun

the stench of rotting meat

we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Despite its sulfuric stench, in a stroke of absolute luck, this meteorite crashed into the right house. — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 15 July 2026

In the mornings, our counselors still walk, slowly now, through the stench of bodies decomposing under the ruins of schools, mosques, and homes. — James Gordon, Time, 14 July 2026

Two stinky blooms are on display at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and time is very limited to catch the stench. — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 13 July 2026

For the longest time, the residents of Val Verde could not find a lawyer willing to fight the landfill enveloping their neighborhood in clouds of stench. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Middle English, from Old English stenc; akin to Old English stincan to emit a smell

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for stench

• clench
• drench
• quench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench
• entrench
• retrench
• workbench

Kids Definition

stench

noun

ˈstench 

: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1