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

Read on for our picks of the best summer cologne for men—plus some favorites from Zagwolsky and Ilolahia. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 20 May 2025

Mining For Contention Nuggets are at a crossroads this summer Nikola Jokić is the ultimate cologne. —Zach Harper, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Jo Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom Cologne $88 NORDSTROM Cherry-blossom lovers will adore this cologne from Jo Malone London. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025

Your affordable cologne questions, answered What are the differences between a cologne, an eau de toilette, and an eau de parfum? —Ariel Wodarcyk, Glamour, 2 May 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