skunk

[ skuhngk ]

noun

, plural skunks, (especially collectively) skunk.

1. a small North American mammal, Mephitis mephitis, of the weasel family, having a black coat with a white, V -shaped stripe on the back, and ejecting a fetid odor when alarmed or attacked.
2. any of several related or similar animals. Compare hog-nosed skunk, spotted skunk.
3. Informal. a thoroughly contemptible person.
4. U.S. Navy Slang. an unidentified ship or target.

verb (used with object)

1. Slang. to defeat thoroughly in a game, especially while keeping an opponent from scoring:

   The team skunked the favorites in the crucial game.

skunk

/ skʌŋk /

noun

1. any of various American musteline mammals of the subfamily Mephitinae, esp Mephitis mephitis ( striped skunk ), typically having a black and white coat and bushy tail: they eject an unpleasant-smelling fluid from the anal gland when attacked
2. informal.
   a despicable person
3. slang.
   a strain of cannabis smoked for its exceptionally powerful psychoactive properties

verb

1. slang.
   tr to defeat overwhelmingly in a game

Word History and Origins

Origin of skunk¹

1625–35, Americanism; < the Massachusett reflex of Proto-Algonquian *šeka·kwa (derivative of *šek- urinate + -a·kw fox, foxlike animal

Word History and Origins

Origin of skunk¹

C17: from Algonquian; compare Abnaki segākw skunk

Example Sentences

Please pardon me for being a skunk at the picnic where California Democrats are celebrating Vice President Kamala Harris’ expected ascension to replace President Biden as the party’s nominee to battle Donald Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

The high desert city also is home to Lockheed Martin’s famed “Skunk Works,” a secretive cutting edge military research and development facilty.

From Los Angeles Times

Like an urban squirrel or skunk, you are, alarmingly often, in danger of having your body shattered by a two-ton machine hurtling through space at 70 miles per hour.

From Slate

Most people know that cannabis plants can generate tons of different scents, from skunk to cheese to gasoline and permanent marker, though berry, fruity and citrusy stinks may be more pleasant.

From Salon

“No amount of perfume’s gonna make it anything but a skunk.”

From Seattle Times