Smelly

Having a strong and unpleasant odor; stinking. Often used to describe things that emit an offensive smell due to decomposition, contamination, or the presence of certain chemical compounds. The intensity of a smell can vary from a faint malodor to an overwhelming stench. The term can be applied to various objects, substances, and even people, reflecting a subjective sensory experience of detecting unwanted olfactory sensations. The perception of 'smelly' is largely based on an individual's sense of smell and prior experiences with different scents.

Smelly meaning with examples

• The garbage bin had been left outside in the summer heat for days, and it was emitting a deeply smelly aroma, attracting flies and repelling anyone who dared walk near it. The rotting food and refuse created a truly awful stench that permeated the entire yard. We had to hold our noses when emptying it.
• After the dog rolled in something dead, she was undeniably smelly. The children immediately started complaining, and it was clear she needed a bath. The odor was so powerful it filled the living room. We eventually discovered she had found a dead rat near the fence.
• The old gym socks, left at the bottom of the gym bag for weeks, had become incredibly smelly. Their putrid scent lingered even after the bag had been emptied. A thorough washing, including deodorizing agents, was the only solution. The odour was offensive and made me retch.
• The wastewater treatment plant was a particularly smelly location, because it was filled with an inescapable and off-putting mixture of sewage and chemicals. Workers there quickly adapted to the foul air; however, the initial experience was difficult for new employees. Ventilation systems helped, but not completely.