C2adjectivefood
US/ˈpʌn.dʒənt/
UK/ˈpʌn.dʒənt/
having a very strong, sharp smell or taste, which can be pleasant or unpleasant
In context
The pungent smell of durian filled the whole bus.
Shrimp paste is pungent, but it tastes wonderful with tofu and rice noodles.
Fresh garlic and chili give the dipping sauce a pungent kick.
Words that go with pungent
adjective + noun
- pungent smellA pungent smell of fish sauce came from the factory.
- pungent odorThe cheese has a pungent odor but a mild taste.
- pungent aromaThe pungent aroma of roasting coffee drifted down the street.
- pungent flavorWild herbs from the mountains have a pungent flavor.
- pungent spicesIndian curries are often cooked with pungent spices like cumin and mustard seed.