musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

a

: a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative

also : a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute

b

: the odor of musk

also : an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence

2

: any of various plants with musky odors

especially : musk plant

Examples of musk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Orange Blossom Neroli, as its name suggests, features bergamot, pear water, orange flower, neroli buds, fresh cypress and soft musks. —James Manso, Footwear News, 5 June 2025

The blonde wood, steamed rice, and white musk notes put a soothingly youthful pep in your step. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 20 May 2025

Also laced with white musk and amber for a clean, second-skin appeal, the fragrance can be worn on its own or as the base for a layered elixir of your choosing. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 20 Apr. 2025

This subtle yet clean and fresh fragrance has notes of white musk, amber, and bergamot, and strikes a balance between energetic and elegant. —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muske, from Middle French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Late Greek moschos, from Middle Persian *mušk-, from Sanskrit muṣka testicle, from diminutive of mūṣ mouse; akin to Old English mūs mouse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing musk

• musk deer
• musk ox
• musk plant
• musk rose
• musk thistle
• musk turtle

Rhymes for musk

• brusque
• busk
• dusk
• husk
• tusk

Kids Definition

musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

: a strong-smelling substance obtained usually from the male musk deer and used in perfume

also : a substance of comparable odor that is from another animal (as a skunk) or is prepared artificially

2

: an odor of or resembling that of musk