Pronunciation: /riːk/

Definitions of reek

noun a strong, unpleasant smell

Example Sentences

A1 The reek of smoke filled the room after the fire.

A2 The reek of garbage from the dumpster was overwhelming.

B1 The reek of chemicals in the laboratory made me feel dizzy.

B2 The reek of sweat in the gym was overpowering.

C1 The reek of corruption in the government was impossible to ignore.

C2 The reek of decay in the abandoned building was nauseating.

verb to smell strongly and unpleasantly

Example Sentences

A1 The garbage can reeks of rotten food.

A2 After working out, my gym clothes reeked of sweat.

B1 The old cottage reeked of damp and mildew.

B2 The sewer system in the city reeks during the hot summer months.

C1 The corruption scandal reeks of political manipulation.

C2 The cover-up attempt reeks of desperation and deceit.

Examples of reek in a Sentence

formal The unpleasant reek of garbage filled the air near the dumpster.

informal Man, that old gym bag really reeks!

slang His breath was so bad, it made me want to gag. It totally reeked!

figurative The corruption in the government reeks of deceit and dishonesty.

Grammatical Forms of reek

past tense

reeked

plural

reeks

comparative

more reeky

superlative

most reeky

present tense

reek

future tense

will reek

perfect tense

have reeked

continuous tense

is reeking

singular

reek

positive degree

reek

infinitive

to reek

gerund

reeking

participle

reeked

Origin and Evolution of reek

First Known Use: 1250 year
Language of Origin: Old English
Story behind the word: The word 'reek' originated from Middle English 'reken' which came from Old English 'reocan' meaning to emit smoke or steam.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'reek' evolved to not only refer to emitting smoke or steam but also to a strong, unpleasant smell or odor.