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Definition of skunky

skunky

/ˈskʌŋ.ki/
skunk · y
Adverb:skunkily
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skunky Lexical Profile

skunky Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a strong, pungent, or foul odor resembling the defensive spray of a skunk.

Example

"A distinct, skunky odor drifted in from the back yard late at night."

2

North American Having an unpleasant, sulfurous smell and taste caused by exposure to light or heat (especially of beer).

Example

"Because the green bottles had been left sitting in direct sunlight, the lager tasted noticeably skunky."

3

North American Contemptible, mean, or untrustworthy in character or behavior.

Example

"Backing out of the agreement at the very last minute was a pretty skunky thing to do."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for skunky

• Nearby Words

skunk cabbage
skunk corydoras
skunked
skunky
sky
skybox
skybridge

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-19th century from the noun 'skunk'—a word of Massachusett or Abenaki (Algonquian) origin—combined with the English suffix '-y'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Skunky. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/skunky
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