Are stink bugs dangerous to humans?

No, they are not poisonous or aggressive towards humans. Their smell is a deterrent, not a toxin.

What should I do if I find a stink bug in my house?

It is best to gently capture it using a piece of paper and a glass and release it outdoors. Squashing it will release the odour.

Is 'shield bug' the same as a 'stink bug'?

Yes, 'shield bug' is the common British English term for the same family of insects (Pentatomidae). 'Stink bug' is more common in American English.

Why are they called 'stink bugs'?

They are named for the pungent chemical compounds (aldehydes) they excrete from glands on their thorax when disturbed, as a defence against predators.

Is “stink bug” formal?

Stink bug is usually informal, technical (entomology) in register.

How do you pronounce “stink bug”?

Stink bug: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbʌɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbəɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

stink bug: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈstɪŋk ˌbʌɡ/US/ˈstɪŋk ˌbəɡ/

informal, technical (entomology)

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “stink bug” mean?

A type of shield-shaped insect that emits a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A type of shield-shaped insect that emits a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism.

A general term for various insects in the family Pentatomidae, often agricultural pests. The term is sometimes used colloquially to refer to any insect or person perceived as unpleasant or causing trouble.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The term is common in both varieties. In British English, the species might be less frequently encountered in everyday life, making the term slightly more technical. In American English, especially in agricultural regions, it is a common household term due to the prevalence of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.

Connotations

Primarily negative due to the pest status and odour. No significant difference in connotation between varieties.

Frequency

Higher frequency in American English due to the invasive spread and media coverage of specific species.

Grammar

How to Use “stink bug” in a Sentence

[Verb] a stink bugA stink bug [verb]The stink bug of [location][Adjective] stink bug

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

brown marmorated stink buginvasive stink bugstink bug infestationshield-shaped stink bug

medium

smell like a stink bugsquash a stink bugfind a stink bugcontrol stink bugs

weak

green stink buglarge stink buggarden stink bugdead stink bug

Examples

Examples of “stink bug” in a Sentence

verb

British English

[No standard verb use in BrE]

American English

[No standard verb use in AmE]

adverb

British English

[No standard adverbial use in BrE]

American English

[No standard adverbial use in AmE]

adjective

British English

[No standard adjectival use in BrE]

American English

[No standard adjectival use in AmE]

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used in agriculture, pest control, and import/export logistics concerning biosecurity.

Academic

Used in entomology, ecology, and agricultural science papers.

Everyday

Used when finding the insect indoors or in gardens; often said with annoyance.

Technical

Precise reference to insects of the family Pentatomidae, often specifying species (e.g., Halyomorpha halys).

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “stink bug”

Strong

pentatomid (technical)

Neutral

shield bug (BrE)

Weak

stinker (informal, rare)smelly bug

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “stink bug”

fragrant insectbeneficial insectladybug

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “stink bug”

Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It stink-bugged me' is non-standard).
Capitalising it unless it's part of a proper name (e.g., 'Brown Marmorated Stink Bug').
Confusing it with a beetle (true bugs have piercing mouthparts; beetles have chewing mouthparts).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, they are not poisonous or aggressive towards humans. Their smell is a deterrent, not a toxin.
: It is best to gently capture it using a piece of paper and a glass and release it outdoors. Squashing it will release the odour.
: Yes, 'shield bug' is the common British English term for the same family of insects (Pentatomidae). 'Stink bug' is more common in American English.
: They are named for the pungent chemical compounds (aldehydes) they excrete from glands on their thorax when disturbed, as a defence against predators.
: A type of shield-shaped insect that emits a foul-smelling liquid as a defence mechanism.
: Stink bug is usually informal, technical (entomology) in register.
: Stink bug: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbʌɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪŋk ˌbəɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“[No common idioms for this specific term]”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: It's a BUG that STINKs when threatened. Picture a bug holding its nose.

Conceptual Metaphor

SOURCE DOMAIN: Unpleasant Smell / Pest -> TARGET DOMAIN: An annoying person or problematic situation (e.g., 'That guy is a real stink bug').

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Be careful not to squash it, or that will release its characteristic defensive odour.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary defining characteristic of a stink bug?