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

Example Sentences

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 The DoDo points out, there is a difference between perfumes or colognes and deodorizing sprays. Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day Magazine, 13 May 2023 Dress Appropriately Wearing light colors like khaki, beige, and blue helps to naturally repel bees, as does avoiding perfumes and colognes, which may be reminiscent of nectar to bees in certain cases.5 Sliced Cucumbers Anecdotally, fresh sliced cucumber has deterred bees. Meghan Holmes, Treehugger, 8 May 2023 Add Fanta soda to the growing list of food brands that are making colognes and perfumes. Chris Morris, Fortune, 11 Apr. 2023 The packaging of this cologne is sleek and elegant. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 This cologne has all your bases covered for pretty much any occasion. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 Nov. 2022 In traditional Asian societies, and also under the austere rule of Chairman Mao, it would have been considered rude and anti-social to douse oneself in cologne. Abigail Tucker, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Sep. 2022 The perfume company had accused him of shirking contractual obligations to promote Gold Jay-Z cologne; the rapper had subsequently countersued. Elias Leight, Rolling Stone, 10 Nov. 2021 If your dog's fur is smelly and on the dry side, this dog cologne will hydrate their coat and leave them smelling wonderful. Olivia Muenter, Woman's Day Magazine, 13 May 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cologne.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near cologne

Cite this Entry

“Cologne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cologne. Accessed 10 Jun. 2023.

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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