the stench of rotting meat
we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement
Recent Examples on the WebThe lawsuit says that, on some days, the stench wafts up to a mile from the factory’s location, affecting up to 2,000 households.—Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, 29 May 2024 The year is 1980-something, and Manhattan’s streets simmer with risk and the stench of days-old garbage.—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 28 May 2024 Over the past two years, the stench has started in March, when farmers across the state are allowed to begin spreading fertilizer on their fields after a winter hiatus.—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, residents said odors have been especially bad in recent weeks, despite their efforts to mitigate the nauseating stench that seeps into their homes.—Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for stench
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stench.' 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
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
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