What does reek mean?
Reek is a vivid word for a strong, unpleasant smell and, by extension, for something that gives off a distinctly bad or corrupt impression. Used literally, it describes a place, object, or person producing an offensive odor: an empty room might reek of damp, or a garment might reek of smoke. Figuratively, it is more critical and morally charged, as when a government investigation or a person's conduct reeks of corruption, deception, or self-interest. The figurative use often follows the construction reek of something, while reek with describes a strong smell or an overwhelming quality. Although stink is more common, reek is more literary and expressive, giving descriptions a sharper, often more dramatic tone. It can consequently suggest not merely an ordinary unpleasant smell, but something filthy, threatening, or morally offensive.
To smell strongly or badly; to give off an offensive odor.
"The hallway reeked of cigarette smoke."
Commonly used with of, as in reek of, and with with, as in reek with sweat.
To have or display a quality perceived as corrupt, dishonest, or offensive.
"The deal reeks of corruption."
This figurative use is strongly negative and usually takes of.
A strong, offensive smell.
"There was a reek of rotten vegetables in the hallway."
Usually used with of when identifying the source of the smell.
The plural is used for distinct instances or types of offensive smell.
"The kitchen was filled with the reeks of fish and old vegetables."
A room can reek, and a reputation can reek too: figurative reeks leave a bad impression long after the source is gone.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reek come from?
Reek comes from Old English rēcan, meaning to smell or perceive by smell. Its modern strongly negative sense developed from the older sense of smelling or giving off an odor. The word has relatives in other Germanic languages, including Dutch rieken and German riechen, both meaning to smell.
Related word forms
How reek is actually used
The word is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. Figuratively, it is strongly negative and often implies corruption, dishonesty, or moral unpleasantness. In British and American English, it is generally more emphatic than simply saying that something smells.
Easily confused with reek
Both words describe a strong unpleasant smell, but stink is the more common and direct term, whereas reek can also be used figuratively to describe an obviously bad or corrupt quality.