reek: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Slightly informal, vivid, often negative.
Quick answer
What does “reek” mean?
To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
To strongly suggest the presence or influence of something undesirable (often abstract).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both verb and noun are used in both varieties. Some usage guides note the noun 'reek' is slightly more common in UK English, where 'stench' might be preferred in US for a noun, but this is not a strict rule. The past tense is 'reeked' in both.
Connotations
Equally negative in both. The metaphorical use ('reeks of corruption') is equally common.
Frequency
Low-frequency word in both, but within that range, it is equally familiar.
Grammar
How to Use “reek” in a Sentence
Subject + reek + of + Noun (The room reeked of smoke.)Subject + reek + (intransitive) (His clothes reeked.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “reek” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bin reeks. You need to take it out.
- His explanation reeks of hypocrisy.
American English
- Your breath reeks of onions.
- The whole campaign reeks of desperation.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverb form.)
American English
- N/A (no standard adverb form.)
adjective
British English
- N/A (no standard adjective form. Use 'reeking': a reeking alleyway.)
American English
- N/A (no standard adjective form. Use 'reeking': a reeking dumpster.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical use in criticism: 'The deal reeks of insider trading.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose except in literary or historical descriptions of settings.
Everyday
Used for strong, bad smells: 'Your trainers reek! Put them outside.'
Technical
Not used in scientific contexts; 'emit odour' or specific chemical names are preferred.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “reek”
- Incorrect spelling: 'wreak' (to cause) is a different verb. 'Reek havoc' is incorrect for 'wreak havoc'.
- Using it for a pleasant smell: *'The bakery reeked of fresh bread.' (Incorrect – use 'smelled of' or 'was filled with the scent of').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost exclusively. Using it for a pleasant smell is ironic or a mistake.
They are very close synonyms. 'Reek' can sound slightly more literary or vivid, and is the preferred choice in the common metaphorical pattern 'reeks of [something abstract bad]'.
Yes, though less common than the verb. 'A reek of tobacco filled the car.' It means a strong, bad smell.
Remember: 'Wreak' (w-r-e-a-k) means to cause (havoc, destruction) and is followed by 'havoc' or 'vengeance'. 'Reek' (r-e-e-k) is about smell. A common memory aid: 'Wreak' has a 'w' like 'wreck' (which you cause).
To give off a strong, unpleasant smell.
Reek is usually slightly informal, vivid, often negative. in register.
Reek: in British English it is pronounced /riːk/, and in American English it is pronounced /riːk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Reek havoc (humorous malapropism for 'wreak havoc')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A LEAKing pipe in the REEK (reek) causes a terrible smell.
Conceptual Metaphor
BAD IS SMELLY / CORRUPTION IS A BAD SMELL (e.g., 'The scheme reeks of deceit.')
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'reek' CORRECTLY?