Definition of skunk
skunks
alsoskunk
1a : any of various common omnivorous black-and-white New World mammals (especially genus Mephitis) of the weasel family that have a pair of perineal glands from which a secretion of pungent and offensive odor is ejectedb : the fur of a skunk
2 : an obnoxious or disliked person
From the M-W Editors
Examples of skunk in a Sentence
Her brother's a low-down, dirty skunk.
he's nothing but a dirty, rotten skunk
Recent Examples of skunk from the Web
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Coyotes have an important ecological role by limiting populations of skunks, raccoons and foxes, which increases bird diversity.
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A resident of the 200 block of Middaugh Road called police at 9:20 a.m. June 27 for help with a family of skunks in her backyard.
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Cats and skunks roam in and out through narrow gaps, leaving behind sprays of feathers from birds that became meals, while the little nests of barn swallows provide hideaways in the rafters.
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Our kids need to see a skunk or a porcupine in the wild.
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An animal control officer responded to a report of a baby skunk in a roadway, causing a traffic hazard.
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The festival also included Animals for Awareness, featuring such animals as a boa snake, tortoises and domestic skunk, Dumpster Drummers, a bounce house and educational booths.
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As of June 7, according to the Maine CDC, there have been 20 raccoons, red foxes and skunks that have tested positive for rabies in 2017.
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Or, accept a ride to the stony restaurant and indulge your caving craving over a pile of Skunk Onion Rings.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skunk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of skunk
Origin and Etymology of skunk
earlier squuncke, from a Massachusett reflex of Algonquian *šeka·kwa, from šek- urinate + -a·kw fox, fox-like animal
Examples of skunk in a Sentence
we ended up skunking them, as our goalie was able to prevent the other team from scoring a single goal
our football team consistently skunks our traditional rivals Thanksgiving after Thanksgiving
Recent Examples of skunk from the Web
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After three hours of waiting and watching, he's been skunked: no bobcats.
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The impulse within some progressives to skunk up the garden party is a wonder to behold.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'skunk.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
First Known Use of skunk
1843
Skunk
Definition of Skunk
river 264 miles (425 kilometers) long in southeastern Iowa flowing southeast into the Mississippi River
SKUNK Defined for English Language Learners
skunk
playDefinition of skunk for English Language Learners
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: a small black-and-white North American animal that produces a very strong and unpleasant smell when it is frightened or in danger
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: a very bad or unpleasant person
SKUNK Defined for Kids
skunk
playDefinition of skunk for Students
: a North American animal related to the weasels that has coarse black-and-white fur and can squirt out a fluid with a very unpleasant smell
Learn More about skunk
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See words that rhyme with skunk Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for skunk Spanish Central: Translation of skunk Nglish: Translation of skunk for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of skunk for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about skunk
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