Meaning & use
stink bugs
Last updated
“stink bugs” is a form of “stink bug”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
Small shield-shaped insects that give off a bad smell when they are disturbed or crushed.
Grammar: Plural of 'stink bug'; use a plural verb: stink bugs are common in fall.
Patterns
- stink bugs in the house
- a stink bug on something
Stink bugs got into the bedroom and left a terrible smell.
Farmers worry when stink bugs attack their soybean fields.
She caught a stink bug in a cup and put it outside.
nounplural
A serious pest problem caused by these insects, especially in crops or buildings.
Grammar: Used like a mass problem; often with 'problem,' 'infestation' or 'damage.'
Patterns
- have a stink bugs problem
- stink bugs damage something
The orchard has a stink bugs problem this year.
Stink bugs damage apples by leaving brown spots.
Word forms
| singular | stink bug |
|---|
Common combinations
- brown marmorated stink bug
- The brown marmorated stink bug is a common invasive species.
- stink bug infestation
- An exterminator can treat a stink bug infestation.
- get rid of stink bugs
- It is hard to get rid of stink bugs once they come inside.
- stink bug smell
- The stink bug smell stayed in the room for hours.
Synonyms and how they differ
- shield bug
- The British name for the same family of insects; it does not mention the smell.
- bug
- A general word for any small insect; much less exact than 'stink bug.'
Word family
Commonly confused: stink bugs or stink bug?
stink bugs vs stink bug
The singular form; use it for one insect, and 'stink bugs' for two or more.
Practice
Which sentence uses the plural correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Stink bugs' is plural, so it takes 'are.' Option 1 wrongly uses a plural with 'a,' option 2 uses 'is' with a plural, and option 4 uses the singular form with 'are.'
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “stink bugs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.