Putrid: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe something that is decayed and emits a very unpleasant smell. Often associated with decomposition and very negative contexts.

• The putrid smell of the garbage made everyone cover their noses
• The meat left out in the sun became putrid in a matter of hours

Describes food or organic matter that has decayed. Often used in everyday situations to describe fruit, vegetables, or meat that are no longer good to eat.

• The apples in the basket were rotten
• He threw away the rotten tomatoes from the fridge

Used mainly to describe fats or oils that have gone bad and developed an unpleasant smell or taste. Often encountered in cooking or food storage contexts.

• The butter had become rancid after being out of the fridge for too long
• The rancid smell of the old oil was overpowering

Used to describe food that is no longer fresh or has gone bad, but not necessarily decayed to the point of being putrid. It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who has been pampered excessively.

• The milk has spoiled, it smells awful
• The child was so spoiled that he always got whatever he wanted

Used to describe a strong, unpleasant smell, often from decaying or rotting matter.

• The waste in the back alley was putrid
• The putrid smell filled the entire room

General term for something that causes strong feelings of dislike or revulsion, typically relating to anything repellent to senses or morality.

• That spoiled milk is disgusting
• The way he treated her was absolutely disgusting

Used to describe something with an extremely offensive smell, or an action that is morally repulsive.

• The bathroom had a foul odor
• His foul language was inappropriate for the event

Refers to something that causes a strong feeling of disgust, often visual or in reference to an idea or behavior.

• The sight of the moldy bread was revolting
• The revolting thought made him feel sick