reek

1 of 2

noun

1
chiefly dialectal : smoke
2
: vapor, fog
3
: a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

reek

2 of 2

verb

reeked; reeking; reeks

intransitive verb

1
: to emit smoke or vapor
2
a
: to give off or become permeated with a strong or offensive odor
a room reeking of incense
b
: to give a strong impression of some constituent quality or feature
a neighborhood that reeks of poverty
3

transitive verb

1
: to subject to the action of smoke or vapor
2
: exude, give off
a politician who reeks charm
reeker noun
reeky adjective

Examples of reek in a Sentence

Noun a terrible reek coming from the garbage can couldn't see through the reek of smog and smoke surrounding the steel plant Verb those old sneakers reek something awful
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Anti-nationalists feel that a state like Israel, predicated on ethnicity or religious tradition, reeks of a determined rejection of modernity, even blood-and-soil fascism. Judith Shulevitz, The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2024 This reeks of another orchestrated PR move, plain and simple. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 5 Jan. 2024 Even the charming presence of Lofty, the Oompa Loompa, depends on an element of backstory that reeks of absurdity. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 11 Dec. 2023 Some, like Andy or his wife (Marling), are purposely hard to read, given that their smallest interactions reek of performativity. Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Nov. 2023 Mill Pond, connected to Crow River, reeks because of oxygen depletion over the long winter. Katie Barsotti, The New Yorker, 19 Nov. 2023 Peltz’s campaign against Disney reeks of a personal vendetta against Iger rather than a compelling strategic vision for value creation. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2023 Now, from my perspective, that reeks of a backroom deal. Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2023 To some, flipping someone so productive and so young with a full season and postseason remaining will reek of decision-making fueled by an all-you-can-drink North Park brunch. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2023
Verb
The deputy at the scene said Jones reeked of alcohol, per the report. Samira Asma-Sadeque, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 The house reeked of bleach and other cleaning products, authorities said. Olivia Diaz, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 Powerful enough to neutralize reeking individuals as well as stinky venues with a blast of lemon-fresh scent. Jennie Egerdie, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 The room reeked of urine; the children were instructed to wait to go outside. Jennifer Medina, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2024 Both plays reeked of desperation, nay discombobulation. Zion Brown, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Jan. 2024 The Royals reeked with a 5.17 ERA that was third-from-worst in the majors last year. 6. Dan Schlossberg, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024 Sometimes, he was approached by neighbors out on parole for various crimes, who reeked of alcohol. Emily Davies, Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2024 Whether Tesla will budge is still up in the air — air that will start reeking of piled garbage starting on December 24th when the strike begins. Umar Shakir, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'reek.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English rek, from Old English rēc; akin to Old High German rouh smoke

First Known Use

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of reek was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reek

Cite this Entry

“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reek. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

reek

1 of 2 noun
1
2
: a strong or disagreeable fume or odor

reek

2 of 2 verb
1
: to give off smoke or vapor
2
a
: to have a strong or unpleasant smell
the kitchen reeks of garlic
clothes reeking of tobacco smoke
b
: to give a strong impression of some feature or quality
she reeks of snobbery
reeky adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on reek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!