scent

1 of 2

noun

1
: effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: such as
a
: an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over
b
: a characteristic or particular odor
especially : one that is agreeable
2
a
: power of smelling : sense of smell
a keen scent
b
: power of detection : nose
a scent for heresy
3
: a course of pursuit or discovery
throw one off the scent
4
: inkling, intimation
a scent of trouble
5
6
: bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
scentless adjective

scent

2 of 2

verb

scented; scenting; scents

transitive verb

1
a
: to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell
b
: to get or have an inkling of
scent trouble
2
: to imbue or fill with odor
scented the air with perfume

intransitive verb

1
: to yield an odor of some specified kind
this scents of sulfur
also : to bear indication or suggestions
2
: to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey
Choose the Right Synonym for scent

fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor.

fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

the redolence of a forest after a rain

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of scent in a Sentence

Noun The flower has a wonderful scent. The dogs followed the fox's scent. The prisoner escaped because the dogs lost his scent. Verb The dog scented a rabbit. She scented the air with perfume.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Or maybe that’s just the loamy scent of lush woodlands with spring on the way. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 7 Mar. 2024 Actor Austin Butler has commissioned a scent specifically for a forthcoming role. Susan Griffin, CNN, 7 Mar. 2024 Kardashian superfans can now smell like Kylie Jenner with the debut of her first-ever signature scent. Ayesha Rajan, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2024 Get a travel version of your favorite scent Find a smaller vial of your go-to scent, or a refillable pump that the brand might sell. Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 The scent of a vegetarian Susanne Rust has a terrific story that examines the question: Do vegetarians smell different than meat eaters? Laurie Ochoa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2024 Emergency Management Agency Director Ken Weidner added that since Rogers’ disappearance, search dogs have not been able to pick up a scent, and said search teams have covered approximately 2,000 miles. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 The super-lightweight formula has only seven ingredients, including camelia oil, which gives the product a luxurious floral scent. Neha Tandon, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 With a variety of different scents including papyrus and sandalwood, this diffuser is guaranteed to provide you with a touch of luxury in any room in your home. Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2024
Verb
The space was notably but subtly scented by one of Beckham’s candles–Suite 302, inspired by her Parisian date nights with her famous hubby. Lauren Murdoch-Smith, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2024 Adding natural germ-fighting essential oils can further boost your bath’s potency; eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint are all antibacterial and will scent your water beautifully too. Georgia Day, Glamour, 1 Mar. 2024 The line, which is silicone-free and cruelty-free, is scented with the brand’s signature Temple Oud fragrance. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 The batter is scented with lavender buds and lemon. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Feb. 2024 In this version, the stock is scented with fresh rosemary, generous chunks of cubed boneless pork loin roast, white beans, garlic, tomatoes and a small shaped pasta. Bridgette A. Lacy, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Temperatures in the 70s were perfect for cycling, and the air was scented with the pine needles that lay in piles at the edge of the road. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 24 Feb. 2024 Entertainer Bill Cosby arrives for a scenting hearing in Norristown, PA, on September 25, 2018. Gina Martinez, CBS News, 1 Feb. 2024 In addition to the floral notes, the candle is scented with earthy tones like sandalwood and musk. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir

Verb

Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of scent was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near scent

Cite this Entry

“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scent

1 of 2 noun
1
a
: an odor left by an animal
b
: a particular and usually agreeable odor
2
a
: sense of smell
a keen scent
b
: power of detection : nose sense 5
3
: a course of pursuit or discovery
thrown off the scent
4
: hint entry 1 sense 1, inkling
a scent of trouble
5
6
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing

scent

2 of 2 verb
1
a
: to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell
the dog scented a rabbit
b
: to get a hint of
scent trouble
2
: to fill with an odor : perfume
scent a handkerchief

More from Merriam-Webster on scent

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