# pungent

/ˈpəndʒənt/ (US) · /pˈʌndʒənt/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pungent
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

having a strong, sharp, or unpleasant smell. You use this to describe things like strong spices or certain types of cheese.

For teachers: having a strong, sharp, or penetrating smell, often one that is unpleasant or irritating. Frequently used to describe chemical substances, spices, or fermented foods.

## Examples

- The kitchen was filled with the pungent smell of garlic.
- The chef added a pungent spice to the sauce to give it a more intense flavor.
- The pungent aroma of the citrus peel lingered in the air long after the guests had finished their meal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.