stench

1 of 2

noun

ˈstench 

1

: stink

2

: a characteristic repugnant quality

the stench of corruption

stenchful

ˈstench-fəl 

adjective

stenchy

ˈsten-chē 

adjective

stenchy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈstenchē 

-er/-est

: having a stench

Synonyms of stench

Noun

• stink
• reek

Examples of stench in a Sentence

Noun

the stench of rotting meat

we finally discovered the dead rat that was causing the stench in the basement

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Cleanup efforts, meanwhile, were continuing at the Lineage Logistics food-storage warehouse following the massive June 17 fire, with the stench of rotting food and pest problems disrupting the surrounding neighborhood, according to reports. — City News Service, Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Los Angeles residents of Boyle Heights are still living with the aftermath of a massive June 17 warehouse fire, as the stench of rotting food and ongoing pest problems continue to disrupt the neighborhood, according to reports. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Both characters are deeply acquainted with the stench of failure. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 14 Aug. 2026

Imagine the ripe smell of swamp-wet dogs, the acrid stench of overheated, enraged bear, the slippery warm blood of pack members already lost; the simply insufferable noise and confusion in that dank little hole. — Paul Schullery, Outdoor Life, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Adjective

Middle English, from Old English stenc; akin to Old English stincan to emit a smell

First Known Use

Noun

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

Rhymes for stench

• clench
• drench
• quench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench
• entrench
• retrench
• workbench

Kids Definition

stench

noun

ˈstench 

: a very disagreeable smell : stink sense 1