adj

pungent

PUHND-zhuhnt

Pungent (adj) means having a sharp, strong smell or taste that stings the nose or tongue. Example: “The pungent smell of garlic filled the kitchen.”

adj

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 notes

In plain EnglishHaving a strong, sharp smell or taste.

Easily confused with

poignant →

Common pairings

pungent smell pungent odor pungent flavor

Word forms

more pungent comparative, most pungent superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ smell of garlic filled the kitchen.

Etymology

From Latin pungens, "stinging," from pungere, "to prick or sting."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “pungent” mean?

The word “pungent” means having a sharp, strong smell or taste that stings the nose or tongue. In plain terms, having a strong, sharp smell or taste.

How do you pronounce “pungent”?

“Pungent” is pronounced PUHND-zhuhnt (/ˈpʌnd͡ʒənt/ in IPA).

How do you use “pungent” in a sentence?

Here is “pungent” used in a sentence: “The pungent smell of garlic filled the kitchen.”

What part of speech is “pungent”?

“Pungent” is an adjective.

Where does the word “pungent” come from?

The word “pungent” comes from Latin. From Latin pungens, "stinging," from pungere, "to prick or sting.".