adj
pungent
PUHND-zhuhnt
adj
1
Having a sharp, strong smell or taste that stings the nose or tongue.
"The pungent smell of garlic filled the kitchen."
"The sauce had a pungent, spicy kick."
How to Use Pungent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving a strong, sharp smell or taste.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pungent smell
pungent odor
pungent flavor
Word Forms
more pungent comparative, most pungent superlative
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The _____ smell of garlic filled the kitchen.
Etymology
From Latin pungens, "stinging," from pungere, "to prick or sting."