First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1stink
intransitive verb \ˈstiŋk\
: to have a very bad smell
: to do something very poorly
: to be very low in quality
stank \ˈstaŋk\ or stunk \ˈstəŋk\ stunkstink·ing
Full Definition of STINK
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\ adjective
See stink defined for kids ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of STINK
Middle English, from Old English stincan; akin to Old High German stinkan to emit a smell
2stink
noun
: a very bad smell
: a situation in which someone complains in a very angry and often public way
Full Definition of STINK
1
: a strong offensive odor : stench
2
: a public outcry against something : fuss <made a big stink when asked to leave>
See stink defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of STINK
13th century
STINK Defined for Kids
1stink
verb \ˈstiŋk\
stank \ˈstaŋk\ or stunk \ˈstəŋk\stunkstink·ing
Definition of STINK for Kids
1
: to give off or cause to have a strong unpleasant smell <The garbage stinks.>
2
: to be very bad or unpleasant <That news really stinks.>
2stink
noun
Definition of STINK for Kids
: a strong unpleasant smell
Learn More About STINK
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up stink? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).