cologne

noun

co·​logne kə-ˈlōn 

1

: a perfumed liquid composed of alcohol and fragrant oils

2

: a cream or paste of cologne sometimes formed into a semisolid stick

cologned

kə-ˈlōnd 

adjective

Examples of cologne in a Sentence

She put on some cologne and combed her hair.

a TV commercial for men's cologne

TV commercials for men's colognes.

Recent Examples on the Web

This type of rash or breakout can be prevented by avoiding perfumes, colognes, citrus oils and other common triggers before going outside in the sun. —Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2025

From silken suits to heady colognes, the Armani brand is easily described as rich, not just in price tag but in substance. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025

Clothes and fragrances have always shared a strong bond—and not just because the brands that craft the best menswear tend to produce stellar colognes. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 16 Aug. 2025

In addition to cologne, Butler packs incense in his bag. —Jackie Fields, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Cologne, Germany

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing cologne

• eau de cologne

Rhymes for cologne

• alone
• atone
• backbone
• bemoan
• bluestone
• breastbone
• brownstone
• capstone
• cheekbone
• condone
• curbstone
• cyclone

Kids Definition

cologne

noun

co·​logne kə-ˈlōn 

: a liquid similar to perfume but not as strongly scented or as long-lasting

Etymology

named for Cologne, city in Germany where it was first made

Geographical Definition

Cologne

geographical name

Co·​logne kə-ˈlōn 

variants or German Köln

ˈkœln 

city on the Rhine River in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany population 1,005,775