perfume

noun per·fume \ ˈpər-ˌfyüm , (ˌ)pər-ˈfyüm \

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

Definition of perfume

1 : the scent of something sweet-smelling

2 : a substance that emits a pleasant odor; especially : a fluid preparation of natural essences (as from plants or animals) or synthetics and a fixative used for scenting

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Examples of perfume in a Sentence

She smelled the different perfumes at the store.
the perfume of fresh flowers filled the room

Recent Examples of perfume from the Web

But Kim, in an interview for her new line of Kimoji perfumes, was quick to correct the naysayers.

— refinery29.com, "Kim Kardashian West Argues That Her Family Is "Self Made" — Here's Why," 13 July 2018
The firm’s scent director, Dawn Goldworm, will collaborate with the buyers on a one-of-a-kind scent that can be diffused through the unit’s HVAC system into the residence, or integrated into perfume or candles.

— robyn a. friedman, Sun-Sentinel.com, "$29 million condo in Sunny Isles Beach comes with its own custom 'scent identity'," 9 July 2018
This is the perfume equivalent of lemonade in a heat wave.

— New York Times, "This Summer, Smell Like Fruit Salad," 2 July 2018
Her kitchen always smelled like fried meat and café, her bedroom a blend of Maja soap, bay rum, and Bal à Versailles perfume.

— Longreads, "La Otra," 26 June 2018
Two-time Academy Award winning actress and Louisville native Jennifer Lawrence has just signed on as the face of Dior's new perfume scheduled to launch later this year.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "Jennifer Lawrence's the new face of Dior's first fragrance in 20 years," 20 June 2018
Dior hasn’t revealed many details yet, but Lawrence will extend her partnership and has been named the face of its newest women’s perfume launching later this year.

— kaitlyn frey, PEOPLE.com, "Jennifer Lawrence Named Face of Dior's First New Fragrance in Nearly 20 Years," 19 June 2018
More like pathways with a progression of smells, from spices to perfumes.

— david patrick stearns, Philly.com, "Personal Journey: In Jerusalem, watching the time and the timeless," 15 June 2018
Fans of the adult entertainer congratulated her on the news — with several vowing to pre-order the unisex perfume/cologne — but not everyone was as enthused by her announcement.

— michael bartiromo, Fox News, "Stormy Daniels' new fragrance, Truth, getting mixed reaction on social media," 6 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'perfume.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of perfume

Middle French perfum, probably from Old Occitan, from perfumar to perfume, from per- thoroughly (from Latin) + fumar to smoke, from Latin fumare, from fumus smoke — more at fume

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1593

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year