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pungent

English → EnglishformalInstant · from the shared dictionary
Illustration of "pungent": Pungent describes a smell or taste that is sharp, biting, and intensely strong. The mental image is

What does "pungent" mean?

Pungent describes a smell or taste that is sharp, biting, and intensely strong. The mental image is of an aroma so piercing that it seems to physically prick the inside of your nose or tongue, often causing a slight wince or an immediate, visceral reaction. While it can be used for pleasant things like fresh herbs or spices, it is more commonly used to describe aggressive or unpleasant odors, such as vinegar, onions, or chemical fumes. It carries a slightly sophisticated tone, making it more descriptive than simply calling something "strong" or "stinky."

"pungent" in conversation

Cooking in the kitchen

What are you cooking? It smells incredibly pungent.

What are you cooking? It smells incredibly pungent.

I’m sautéing a massive amount of garlic and chili oil.

I’m sautéing a massive amount of garlic and chili oil.

Pungent is used here to describe the sharp, stinging quality of cooking aromatics.

Cleaning the bathroom

This bleach is so pungent, I can barely breathe in here.

This bleach is so pungent, I can barely breathe in here.

Open the window and let’s get out until it clears.

Open the window and let’s get out until it clears.

Pungent is frequently used for chemical smells that are physically irritating.

"pungent" in a sentence

  1. The room was filled with the pungent scent of onions.

    The room was filled with the pungent scent of onions.

  2. She wrinkled her nose at the pungent odor of the industrial cleaning supplies.

    She wrinkled her nose at the pungent odor of the industrial cleaning supplies.

  3. The pungent aroma of the aged blue cheese was an acquired taste for many guests.

    The pungent aroma of the aged blue cheese was an acquired taste for many guests.

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