smelly

American  

[smel-ee] / ˈsmɛl i /

adjective

smellier, smelliest

1. emitting a strong or unpleasant odor; reeking.

   Synonyms:

   stinky, malodorous

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smelly British  

/ ˈsmɛlɪ /

adjective

1. having a strong or nasty smell

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Other Word Forms

• smelliness noun

Etymology

Origin of smelly

First recorded in 1860–65; smell + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“I’m meeting Uncle Jack this afternoon. Do you want me to show up smelly?”

From Literature

Being home-schooled meant I didn’t have to ride squished on a smelly old bus, or sit still in a stuffy room all day long.

From Literature

And the spaces where there weren’t any books were filled with jars and bottles of smelly crystals and cloudy liquids.

From Literature

Trees have less dramatic ways to screw up your day: Their roots can infiltrate cracks in septic or sewage pipes, blocking the system and wreaking expensive, smelly havoc.

From The Wall Street Journal

Gas generators, the traditional option, are noisy, high maintenance and smelly.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fetid
• foul-smelling
• funky
• rancid
• stinking