perfume

verb

per·​fume (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm 

ˈpər-ˌfyüm

perfumed; perfuming

transitive verb

: to fill or imbue with an odor

Synonyms of perfume

• scent

Examples of perfume in a Sentence

The meal included a delicate fish perfumed with butter and herbs.

a time when it was common for men to perfume their hair

Recent Examples on the Web

To Curaçao, where the air was perfumed with dama di anochi blossoms and the night was navy blue. —Literary Hub, 3 June 2026

Old Grand‑Dad 114 and Redemption push hard into spice, while Four Roses Single Barrel and Small Batch show how yeast and blending can turn the same basic ingredients into something perfumed and almost delicate. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026

While historic details are celebrated, modern updates have been added, too, including aesthetic luxuries like hallways perfumed with a proprietary scent from Naxos Apothecary. —Eleni N. Gage, Travel + Leisure, 24 May 2026

Each bite is perfumed with heady cinnamon, floral vanilla, and earthy ras el hanout. —The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perfume

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

perfume

1 of 2 noun

per·​fume ˈpər-ˌfyüm  (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm 

1

: the scent of something usually sweet-smelling

2

: a substance that gives off a pleasant odor

especially : a liquid containing fragrant oils (as from flowers) mixed with alcohol and applied to the body to give it a pleasant odor

perfume

2 of 2 verb

per·​fume (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm 

ˈpər-ˌfyüm

perfumed; perfuming

: to fill with a pleasing odor (as of flowers)