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Things described as "pungent"—be they on the plate or on the page—have a bite to them, just as the word's Latin forbear suggests: the verb pungere means "to prick or sting." Some early uses of pungent described things that literally pricked, and the word is still used this way in the biological sciences for such purposes as identifying fish with pungent dorsal fins or plants (such as holly) with pungent leaves. But most often we reserve pungent for flavors and scents that don’t actually pierce or poke us, even if they result in similar sensations—which many people enjoy! The word is also frequently applied to verbal prickings, in which sharp and incisive language brings a biting quality to satires, critiques, and the like. Not to put too fine a point on it, but we think pungent really cuts the mustard as an evocative word choice.
Examples of pungent in a Sentence
Jennifer Senior, New York Times Book Review, 24 Sept. 2006
I remember the enormous size of that fire and the pungent smell of smoke from the burning chaparral as the flames raced up the slope toward our house.
—Tim White, Curious Minds, 2004
Maybe what seems pungent to the locals only becomes alarming when sniffed through a giant Western proboscis, but there are some odors in China that make a visit to Bhopal seem like a picnic downwind from the Arpege factory.
—P. J. O'Rourke, Holidays in Hell, 1988
a play with pungent dialogue
a pungent satire of current politics
Sheryl Geerts, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Oct. 2024
The pungent scent of the spiky fruit is mellowed by the cream, a worthy endnote that mimics the grandeur of its surroundings.
—The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appétit, 21 Oct. 2024
Some of the most common ingredients include: Ginger: The root of this pungent plant contains compounds called gingerols, which are known for their digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.
—Devineé Lingo, M.s., Health, 21 Oct. 2024
While these farts don’t usually smell, Nielson says, certain prebiotics can trigger more pungent toots.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 26 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pungent 
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Cite this Entry
“Pungent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pungent. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
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pungent
adjective
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