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

Witchy Friend Heretic Häxan, $125 For fans of the occult, Heretic’s Haxan offers just the rich, embery combination of fossilized amber, oakmoss and musks. —Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 25 Nov. 2025

Also try Tom Ford Oud Voyager Eau de Parfum, which pairs oud with a fresh peony accord, and Kayali Oudgasm Milky Musk Oud Eau de Parfum Intense, featuring addictive strawberry cream, skin-like white musk, and silver oud. —Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 25 Nov. 2025

The powder never gets scratchy or weird, and the musk in the base is subtle but present. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 21 Nov. 2025

Neroli and ambrox, a type of musk that’s found in many popular perfumes for women as well, round the edges of the fragrance and give it a creamy, enveloping suppleness that’s hard to find in most fresh scents. —Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 Oct. 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