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.
No aftershave lotion or cologne or even dryer-sheet scent on my clothes. Mark Gauert, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025 What to look for in a quality dog cologne Essential oils As mentioned above, many dog colognes use essential oils to not only add scents to the dog cologne but also add some health benefits. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2025 However, many shaving creams, colognes, and aftershaves contain harmful chemicals and come in non-recyclable packaging. Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025 The Moxy Hotel, a brand of Marriott International, is putting on its final layer of lipstick and cologne, as director of sales and marketing Giovanna Kannady put it. Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 10 June 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 3 Jul. 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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