the stench of rotting meat
we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement
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Tuchel’s approach might, at least, be grimly appropriate for a tournament whose organizers would surely like everyone to focus on the action, and ignore the stench of corruption and xenophobia in the air.—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 18 June 2026 Throughout the brand's 2000s heyday, Abercrombie's stores were infamous for their loud music, shirtless models and the inescapable stench of its Fierce cologne.—Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 17 June 2026 When in doubt, Japanese boxwood will cover your bases with style and without the stench.—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026 Something soured Monday night at Madison Square Garden and the stench of spoilt optimism wafted into Wednesday.—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for stench
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