# reek

/ˈɹik/ (US) · /ɹˈiːk/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/reek
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

a strong, unpleasant smell. You use this word to describe a bad odor that is very noticeable.

For teachers: a strong, offensive, or pungent smell. Often used in the context of decay, dampness, or chemical substances.

## Examples

- The old basement was full of a damp reek.
- The kitchen was filled with the reek of spoiled milk after the power went out for three days.
- The air in the industrial district was thick with the reek of sulfur and iron, a constant reminder of the heavy machinery operating just beyond the city limits.

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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.