stench

noun

1
: stink
2
: a characteristic repugnant quality
stenchful adjective
stenchy adjective

Examples of stench in a Sentence

the stench of rotting meat we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement
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.
Something Willis said a lot of people might not realize is the stench left behind after a massive flood like the one that happened on the Guadalupe. Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 8 July 2025 The scientists said their results indicate that a significant portion of the gas that’s being released by the Salton Sea isn’t being measured, even as the stench drifts through the area’s predominantly Latino communities. Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025 For Nebraska, the stench comes from those 27 consecutive losses against ranked foes. Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 14 May 2025 And the rotten-egg stench from the hydrogen sulfide emitted by the lake’s decomposing organic matter, an odor particularly noticeable in the summer, has gotten no better. Jorge L. Ortiz, USA Today, 30 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stench. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

stench

noun
: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on stench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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