# stinky

/ˈstɪŋki/ (US) · /stˈɪŋki/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stinky
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

having a strong, unpleasant smell. You use this to describe things like old socks or bad food.

For teachers: emitting a strong, foul, or offensive odour. Often used in informal contexts to describe organic decay or poor hygiene.

## Examples

- The stinky cheese has a very strong smell.
- He left his stinky gym clothes in the locker for a week, and now the whole room smells.
- While some find the scent of durian fruit to be sweet and creamy, others find it so stinky that it is banned from public transport in several countries.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used as a predicative adjective after 'be', 'get', or 'smell'.

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