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

• addled
• bad
• corrupted
• decayed
• decomposed
• putrefied
• rotten
• spoiled

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

Two of the city’s most prominent sports decision-makers, trying to tug their Broncos to the same heights these Nuggets have reached in recent years, were treated to some of the most putrid basketball anyone inside Ball Arena could’ve possibly imagined. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 11 May 2025

The Wolves scored just 88 points to open the Western Conference semifinals, just 31 in a putrid first-half showing. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2025

The result is a gaping ulcer writhing with maggots, which attracts yet more adult female screwworms that can lay hundreds more eggs, deepening the putrid, festering lesion. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

The loss stung — and a putrid power play had Bedard slamming his stick on the ice after a couple of Colorado clears — but the mood remains upbeat with the youth infusion. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 3 Apr. 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