adj
putrid
PYOO-trihd
Putrid (adj) means rotting and giving off a foul smell. Example: “A putrid smell drifted from the bin left out for weeks.”
adj
1
Rotting and giving off a foul smell.
"A putrid smell drifted from the bin left out for weeks."
"The putrid meat had to be thrown away immediately."
2
Disgusting or morally corrupt, used figuratively.
"He described the whole scandal as a putrid affair."
How to use putrid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRotting and foul-smelling, or, more loosely, thoroughly disgusting.
Common pairings
putrid smell
putrid stench
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like putrid.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Comparative
- more putrid
- Superlative
- most putrid
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ smell drifted from the bin left out for weeks.
Etymology
From Latin putridus, "rotten," related to putreo, "to be rotten."
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “putrid” mean?
The word “putrid” means rotting and giving off a foul smell. In plain terms, rotting and foul-smelling, or, more loosely, thoroughly disgusting.
How do you pronounce “putrid”?
“Putrid” is pronounced PYOO-trihd (/ˈpju.tɹəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “putrid” in a sentence?
Here is “putrid” used in a sentence: “A putrid smell drifted from the bin left out for weeks.”
What part of speech is “putrid”?
“Putrid” is an adjective.
Where does the word “putrid” come from?
The word “putrid” comes from Latin. From Latin putridus, "rotten," related to putreo, "to be rotten.".
How many meanings does “putrid” have?
“Putrid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: rotting and giving off a foul smell.
