reeked; reeking; reeks
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
: emanate
1
: to subject to the action of smoke or vapor
reeker
noun
Synonyms
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
Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
These Bay Area cities and counties are getting $48 million to clear homeless camps
These 7 new California laws came from 1,000 bills Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed
Gov. Newsom signs lemon car reform law with a caveat to lawmakers
This bill reeked of French Laundry.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reek 
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Noun
Black hocks from a buck that has rutted for weeks reek the best.
—Michael Hanback, Outdoor Life, 7 Nov. 2024
Smullen’s inclinations here reek of resentment rather than a healthier competitiveness that would drive him to bring a solid case against his main suspect.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024
Verb
By Zoë Schlanger When delegates of the world gather in Baku, Azerbaijan, next week for the most important yearly meeting on climate change, their meetings will overlook a reeking lake, polluted by the oil fields on the other side.
—Zoë Schlanger, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
These Bay Area cities and counties are getting $48 million to clear homeless camps
These 7 new California laws came from 1,000 bills Gov. Gavin Newsom recently signed
Gov. Newsom signs lemon car reform law with a caveat to lawmakers
This bill reeked of French Laundry.
—Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 5 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for reek
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Dictionary Entries Near reek
Cite this Entry
“Reek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reek. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
reek
1 of 2 noun1
: vapor sense 1, fog
2
: a strong or disagreeable fume or odor
reek
2 of 2 verb1
: 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
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