putrid

adjective

pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd 

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

pyü-ˈtri-də-tē 

noun

putridly

ˈpyü-trəd-lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• rotten

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

This week, Chicago visits the Baltimore Ravens, who entered the season with Super Bowl aspirations but instead are 1-5 because of injuries and a putrid defense. —Mike Jones, New York Times, 26 Oct. 2025

Former Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito tore into head coach Mike McDaniel and quarterback Tua Tagovialoa amid a putrid start to the 2025 season. —Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2025

That, naturally, is Denver’s putrid first three quarters offensively. —Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 21 Oct. 2025

Justin Herbert tried to stand 6-feet-6 in his team’s putrid urine-yellow uniform. —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Oct. 2025

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

Kids Definition

putrid

adjective

pu·​trid ˈpyü-trəd 

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 

1

: being in a state of putrefaction

2

: of, relating to, or characteristic of putrefaction

a putrid odor