Definition

Having a strong and unpleasant smell.

Example

The garbage in the kitchen was really stinky.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Did you smell that stinky garbage on the way here?

Yeah, it was really bad!

I can't believe people leave their trash out like that.

Right? It makes the whole area smell so stinky.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Stinky → The word 'stinky' is derived from 'stink' (from Old English 'stincan', meaning to emit a strong odor) and the suffix '-y' (meaning characterized by). Thus, 'stinky' describes something characterized by a strong, unpleasant odor.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'emits a strong odor' — that's what 'stinky' means, as it comes from 'stink' and the '-y' indicates it has that quality.

Visually Confused Words