reek

1 of 2

noun

1
chiefly dialectal : smoke
2
: vapor, fog
3
: a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

reek

2 of 2

verb

reeked; reeking; reeks

intransitive verb

1
: to emit smoke or vapor
2
a
: to give off or become permeated with a strong or offensive odor
a room reeking of incense
b
: to give a strong impression of some constituent quality or feature
a neighborhood that reeks of poverty
3

transitive verb

1
: to subject to the action of smoke or vapor
2
: exude, give off
a politician who reeks charm
reeker noun
reeky adjective

Examples of reek in a Sentence

Noun a terrible reek coming from the garbage can couldn't see through the reek of smog and smoke surrounding the steel plant Verb those old sneakers reek something awful
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The reek began to overwhelm the culinary artistry of the chefs, who shot resentful glances at the weighing station. Nathaniel Rich, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025 This reeks of a decision made by a coach and general manager who are on the hot seat. Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2025
Verb
What initially reeked of hometown fantasy appears to have real legs. Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 22 Aug. 2025 The towels reek like the stray dogs her husband brings home. Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for reek

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rek, from Old English rēc; akin to Old High German rouh smoke

First Known Use

Noun

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

Verb

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of reek was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reek. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

reek

1 of 2 noun
1
2
: a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

reek

2 of 2 verb
1
: to give off smoke or vapor
2
a
: to have a strong or unpleasant smell
the kitchen reeks of garlic
clothes reeking of tobacco smoke
b
: to give a strong impression of some feature or quality
she reeks of snobbery
reeky adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!