perfume

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

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

See perfume defined for English-language learners

See perfume defined for kids

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

The perfume retailer is just the latest to announce bankruptcy or closures related to lagging sales and shifting shopper preferences.

— leada gore, AL.com, "Perfumania files for bankruptcy, plans to close 64 stores," 28 Aug. 2017
Parlux, which Perfumania acquired in 2012, manufactures and distributes perfume and other beauty products.

— staff report, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Perfumania files for bankruptcy, intends to close 64 stores, focus on e-commerce," 28 Aug. 2017
Coco perfume by Coco Chanel, Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder.

— kirby adams, The Courier-Journal, "James E. Farmer teacher, 8th-grade daughter get ready to head back-to-school," 3 Aug. 2017
Out of all the perfumes in the world, there’s only one Chanel N°5.

— maddy zollo, Town & Country, "5 Things You Don’t Know About Chanel N°5," 2 Aug. 2017
Perfume Genius, 9-10 p.m., Sunday, July 23, Vera Stage.

— william robert ferrer, The Seattle Times, "Looking for new artists to check out at Capitol Hill Block Party? Here are our suggestions," 18 July 2017
After five years in the making, Karimova-Tillyaeva was especially impressed with Flavigny’s ability to translate every element of the perfume language.

— vanityfair.com, "The Art of Zen," 10 July 2017
So while successfully demystifying perfume, the lovely little Aftel Archive also enhances its mystery.

— deborah needleman, New York Times, "A Little Cottage Where You Can Smell the Natural History of Perfume," 7 July 2017
Inside her vehicle were several other items, including cell phone cases, perfumes, flat irons and a hair dryer.

— andy attina / cleveland.com, cleveland.com, "Woman's iPhone stolen after being left on trunk of car: South Euclid Police Blotter," 5 July 2017

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

See Words from the same year

perfume Synonyms

Synonyms

aroma, attar (also otto), balm, bouquet, fragrancy, incense, fragrance, redolence, scent, spice

Antonyms

fetor, malodor, reek, stench, stink

Related Words

essence, odor

Synonym Discussion of perfume

fragrance, perfume, scent, redolence mean a sweet or pleasant odor. fragrance suggests the odors of flowers or other growing things.

- the fragrance of pine

perfume may suggest a stronger or heavier odor.

- the perfume of lilacs

scent is very close to perfume but of wider application because more neutral in connotation.

- scent-free soaps

redolence implies a mixture of fragrant or pungent odors.

- the redolence of a forest after a rain

perfume

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

Definition of perfume

perfumed; perfuming

transitive verb

:to fill or imbue with an odor

See perfume defined for English-language learners

Examples of perfume in a Sentence

The meal included a delicate fish perfumed with butter and herbs.
a time when it was common for men to perfume their hair

Recent Examples of perfume from the Web

Byredo’s hand sanitizer is perfumed with their fragrance Suede, which smells like a more fragrant version of the brand’s $2,000-ish handbags.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "The Fanciest Hand Sanitizer in the World," 23 Aug. 2017
This sweet-spicy chutney, perfumed with ginger, cloves and pepper, is anything but.

— debbie arrington, sacbee.com, "One peach at a time, Tomich family orchards continue 120-year legacy," 13 June 2017
Meg Ryan said to her date, the designer Christian Siriano, as an acrid smell perfumed the preshow cocktail hour.

— matthew schneier, New York Times, "Nicole Kidman, Janelle Monáe and Raf Simons at CFDA Awards," 6 June 2017
Blend: 81 percent cabernet franc, 10 percent malbec, 5 percent cabernet sauvignon, 2 percent merlot, 2 percent petit verdot Judges’ Comments >> Dark, perfumed, but flat finish and not enough body …

— paul hodgins, Orange County Register, "Is this $290 cabernet franc worth it?," 2 June 2017
Another idea is to place a seating area near a fence where a vine such as honeysuckle can perfume the area.

— cindy sutter, The Denver Post, "How to add fragrance to the colorful tapestry of your Colorado garden," 21 Apr. 2017
Hike Milagra or Sweeney Ridge and notice how the wildflowers perfume the air.

— ginny prior, The Mercury News, "Pacifica offers feast for the senses for travelers," 11 Apr. 2017

First Known Use of perfume

1546

perfume Synonyms

Synonyms

incense, odorize, scent

Antonyms

stink up

Near Antonyms

deodorize

PERFUME Defined for English Language Learners

perfume

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noun

Definition of perfume for English Language Learners

: a liquid substance that you put on your body in small amounts in order to smell pleasant
: a pleasant smell

perfume

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verb

Definition of perfume for English Language Learners

: to fill or cover (something) with a pleasant smell
: to put perfume in or on (something)

PERFUME Defined for Kids

perfume

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noun per·fume \ ˈpər-ˌfyüm \

Definition of perfume for Students

1 :a liquid used to make a person smell nice

2 :a pleasant smell :fragrance

perfume

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verb per·fume \ pər-ˈfyüm \

Definition of perfume for Students

perfumed; perfuming

:to add a usually pleasant odor to :have the odor of

Learn More about perfume

See words that rhyme with perfume Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perfume Spanish Central: Translation of perfume Nglish: Translation of perfume for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of perfume for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about perfume

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Synonym Discussion of perfume

perfume

Definition of perfume

Examples of perfume in a Sentence

Recent Examples of perfume from the Web

First Known Use of perfume

perfume Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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PERFUME Defined for English Language Learners

perfume

Definition of perfume for English Language Learners

perfume

Definition of perfume for English Language Learners

PERFUME Defined for Kids

perfume

Definition of perfume for Students

perfume

Definition of perfume for Students

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