musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

a

: a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative

also : a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute

b

: the odor of musk

also : an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence

2

: any of various plants with musky odors

especially : musk plant

Examples of musk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their gourmand and confectionary-inspired scents were a stark change from the typical floral, musk and sultry scents, while playful and colorful packaging appealed to various audiences. —Náosha Gregg, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2025

It’s crafted with top notes of orange and leather, plus layers of black tea, tobacco leaf, sandalwood, musk, and more for a complex scent reminiscent of being outdoors. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025

As for the scent, the deceptively affordable salve melds notes of vanilla, soft musk, and caramel for a fragrance that’s luxuriously warm and sweet. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 2 Aug. 2025

The fruity musk combination feels like liquid sunshine, and the way the soursop and pomegranate blend with that subtle agarwood base creates this incredible depth that keeps me reaching for it again and again. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muske, from Middle French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Late Greek moschos, from Middle Persian *mušk-, from Sanskrit muṣka testicle, from diminutive of mūṣ mouse; akin to Old English mūs mouse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing musk

• musk deer
• musk ox
• musk plant
• musk rose
• musk thistle
• musk turtle

Rhymes for musk

• brusque
• busk
• dusk
• husk
• tusk

Kids Definition

musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

: a strong-smelling substance obtained usually from the male musk deer and used in perfume

also : a substance of comparable odor that is from another animal (as a skunk) or is prepared artificially

2

: an odor of or resembling that of musk