cologne

noun

co·​logne kə-ˈlōn How to pronounce cologne (audio)
1
: a perfumed liquid composed of alcohol and fragrant oils
2
: a cream or paste of cologne sometimes formed into a semisolid stick
cologned 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Overall, the brand is great to keep in mind for light, age-appropriate colognes that come packaged beautifully and are difficult to overspray. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2025 The strong scent of commingled colognes filled the night air, and word went around that the lobster roll hors d’oeuvres were best avoided. Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2025 And for the guy who always smells good, this travel-friendly four-pack of solid colognes in classic scents like Sandalwood and Vetiver gives him options depending on his mood or the occasion. Tabitha Britt, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Oct. 2025 In 2017, Trudon carried that centuries-deep expertise into personal fragrance with colognes that were niche in craft, rooted in history, and very elegant to wear. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cologne

Word History

Etymology

Cologne, Germany

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cologne was in 1832

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Cite this Entry

“Cologne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cologne. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

cologne

noun
co·​logne kə-ˈlōn How to pronounce cologne (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce Cologne (audio)
variants or German Köln
city on the Rhine River in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany population 1,005,775

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