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

Eau de cologne: Between 2% and 5% perfume essence, this is the least concentrated and least expensive option. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 28 July 2025

The new scent marries cologne’s immediacy with the soulfulness of an extrait. —Austa Somvichian-Clausen, Robb Report, 15 June 2025

This May, the unisex line—known for its affordable colognes, hand-poured candles in reusable cocktail glasses, and body care essentials—celebrates its 10th anniversary with the opening of a second brick-and-mortar location on Bleecker Street in New York City. —Kate Donnelly, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Before changing locations in May, the business focused mainly on its signature perfume, cologne and candle mixing bar, offering beer and wine to customers. —Liliana Fannin, jsonline.com, 11 July 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