reek Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a distinctive odor that is offensively unpleasant
    foetor; stink; fetor; malodor; mephitis; malodour; stench.
  2. verb have an element suggestive (of something)
    smack; smell.
    • his speeches smacked of racism
    • this passage smells of plagiarism
  3. verb smell badly and offensively
    stink.
    • The building reeks of smoke
  4. verb be wet with sweat or blood, as of one's face
    fume.
  5. verb give off smoke, fumes, warm vapour, steam, etc.
    • Marshes reeking in the sun

WordNet

Reek noun
Definitions
  1. A rick. Obs. B. Jonson.
Reek noun
Etymology
AS. rc; akin to OFries. rk, LG. & D. rook, G. rauch, OHG. rouh, Dan. rg, Sw. rk, Icel. reykr, and to AS. recan to reek, smoke, Icel. rjka, G. riechen to smell.
Definitions
  1. Vapor; steam; smoke; fume.
    As hateful to me as the reek of a limekiln. Shak.
Reek intransitive verb
Etymology
As. rcan. See Reek vapor..
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Reeked present participle & verbal noun Reeking
Definitions
  1. To emit vapor, usually that which is warm and moist; to be full of fumes; to steam; to smoke; to exhale.
    Few chimneys reeking you shall espy. Spenser.
    I found me laid In balmy sweat, which with his beams the sun Soon dried, and on the reeking moisture fed. Milton.
    The coffee rooms reeked with tobacco. Macualay.

Webster 1913