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stink bug

American  

noun

stink bugs plural
  1. any of numerous broad, flat bugs of the family Pentatomidae, that emit a disagreeable odor.

  2. any of various other malodorous bugs.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Etymology

Origin of stink bug

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I’ve never touched a gun nor smote anything larger than a stink bug.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

The growing wasps use the stink bug eggs for food.

From NewsForKids.net • Apr. 15, 2024

Invasive species in the U.S. like hammerhead worms, spotted lanternflies, murder hornets, and the brown marmorated stink bug, are all from Asia.

From National Geographic • Aug. 4, 2023

Wiman advises homeowners to seal all cracks where the stink bug can enter and vacuum up inside infestations.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 10, 2022

A MEMBER: Do you have any control for the stink bug on filberts?

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting Rochester, N.Y. August 31 and September 1, 1953 by Northern Nut Growers Association

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