adjective

pungent

PUHN-juhnt/ˈpʌndʒənt/

Strikingly sharp in taste or smell.

The cook reacts to the pungent smell of a cut onion.

Cook reacting to the sharp smell of cut onion.

Etymology

A pungent smell or taste figuratively pricks or stings the senses. English first used the word for piercing pain or grief, then extended that sharpness to smell and taste.

In context

The Book of Nature1:13

It has this incredibly powerful, pungent aroma and a distinctly sharp, bitter taste.

Wormwood or Myrrh? The Surprising Truth Behind the Confusion

More examples

This mustard has a pungent flavor that clears my sinuses.
The pungent odor of raw garlic fills the kitchen.
A little of this pungent cheese goes a long way.

Forms

pungent · more pungent · most pungent

pungency noun — Sharp strength of taste or smell.

Similar words

sharp: Often suggests acidity or bitterness rather than overall penetrating strength.
acrid: Emphasizes an unpleasant, irritating sharpness, especially in smoke or fumes.
strong: Describes intensity without necessarily suggesting a sharp or stinging sensation.