stink

1 of 2

verb

ˈstiŋk How to pronounce stink (audio)
stank ˈstaŋk How to pronounce stink (audio) or stunk ˈstəŋk How to pronounce stink (audio) ; stunk; stinking
Synonyms of stinknext

intransitive verb

1
: to emit a strong offensive odor
stank of urine
2
: to be offensive
the election stank of corruption
also : to be in bad repute
3
: to possess something to an offensive degree
stinking with wealth
4
: to be extremely bad or unpleasant
the performance stank
that news really stinks
stinky
ˈstiŋ-kē How to pronounce stink (audio)
adjective

stink

2 of 2

noun

1
: a strong offensive odor : stench
2
: a public outcry against something : fuss
made a big stink when asked to leave

Synonyms of stink

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Verb

Noun

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Examples of stink in a Sentence

Verb The food is good at that restaurant, but the service stinks. Having a root canal stinks. Noun People raised a stink about the new law. He kicked up a stink about the way he'd been treated.
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.
Verb
Now the skunk is saying somebody else stinks, though the smell does lead to Infantino and this FFE plan. — Miami Herald, 30 July 2026 The stinking body was soon discovered in the hold, and Colt was arrested not long after that. — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Noun
Florida's Jon Sumrall made quite a name for himself in Tampa last week during his inaugural spin as a head coach in the SEC, creating a bit of a stink on social media with his comments regarding a reporter's cell phone going off. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026 First, to Lu Leccisu, which was all golden summer grasses, swaying in a stink that blew in from the waters of the nearby sewage treatment plant. — Angelica Calabrese, Longreads, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stink

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English, from Old English stincan; akin to Old High German stinkan to emit a smell

First Known Use

Verb

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

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Phrases Containing stink

Rhymes for stink

See All Rhymes for stink

Browse Nearby Words

stingy
stink
stinkard
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stink.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stink. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stink

1 of 2 verb
ˈstiŋk How to pronounce stink (audio)
stank ˈstaŋk How to pronounce stink (audio) or stunk ˈstəŋk How to pronounce stink (audio) ; stunk; stinking
1
: to give off or cause to have an unpleasant smell
the garbage pail stinks
2
: to be very bad or unpleasant
that news really stinks
stinker noun

stink

2 of 2 noun
1
: a strong unpleasant odor : stench
2
: a public outcry against something : fuss
made a big stink when asked to leave
stinky
ˈstiŋ-kē
adjective

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Nglish: Translation of stink for Spanish Speakers

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