ambergris

am·ber·gris | \ ˈam-bər-ˌgris

How to pronounce ambergris (audio)

, -ˌgrē(s) \

Definition of ambergris

: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative

Examples of ambergris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Today, ambergris is only found in one of about 100 sperm whales, and their population is in steady decline. — Kate Sullivan, refinery29.com, "Women Invented Perfume — Now, They’re Taking It Back," 20 Mar. 2020 Apart According to the outlet, local government officials will find Boonrith later this month to determine if the mass is, in fact, ambergris and to figure out how much the lump may be worth. — Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, "Thailand Garbage Collector Finds Smelly Mass that Could Be Whale Vomit Worth Over $100,000," 14 Nov. 2019 The cologne, with notes of grapefruit, marine accord, and ambergris, is available now. — Sarah Spellings, The Cut, "Nick Youngquest on the Smell of a Men’s Locker Room and Seaweed," 26 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ambergris.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

20 Apr 2020

Cite this Entry

“Ambergris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambergris. Accessed 30 May. 2020.

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