Skunk

Pronunciation: /skʌŋk/

Definitions of skunk

noun a small mammal known for its black and white fur and ability to release a strong-smelling odor as a defense mechanism

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a skunk in the park.

A2 The skunk sprayed a foul odor when it felt threatened.

B1 Skunks are known for their distinctive black and white fur.

B2 The skunk is a nocturnal animal that scavenges for food at night.

C1 Skunks are omnivores and will eat a variety of foods including insects, fruits, and small animals.

C2 The skunk's spray is a potent defense mechanism that can deter predators from attacking.

Examples of skunk in a Sentence

formal The skunk is a nocturnal mammal known for its black and white fur and foul-smelling spray.

informal I saw a skunk rummaging through the trash cans last night.

slang That party was a skunk fest - everyone was acting crazy!

figurative Her attitude towards the project was like a skunk - leaving a stench of negativity wherever she went.

Grammatical Forms of skunk

• past tense: skunked
• plural: skunks
• comparative: more skunky
• superlative: most skunky
• present tense: skunks
• future tense: will skunk
• perfect tense: have skunked
• continuous tense: is skunking
• singular: skunk
• positive degree: skunk
• infinitive: to skunk
• gerund: skunking
• participle: skunked

Origin and Evolution of skunk

First Known Use: 1634 year

Language of Origin: Algonquian

Story behind the word: The word 'skunk' originates from the Algonquian language, specifically from the Abenaki word 'seganku'.

Evolution of the word: The word 'skunk' was first recorded in English in 1634 by the explorer John Josselyn. It has retained its original meaning of the striped mammal known for its foul-smelling spray, but has also been used metaphorically to describe something or someone as unpleasant or repugnant.