scent

1 of 2

noun

ˈsent 

1

: effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: such as

a

: an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over

b

: a characteristic or particular odor

especially : one that is agreeable

2

a

: power of smelling : sense of smell

a keen scent

b

: power of detection : nose

a scent for heresy

3

: a course of pursuit or discovery

throw one off the scent

4

: inkling, intimation

a scent of trouble

5

: perfume sense 2

6

: bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds

7

: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing

scentless

ˈsent-ləs 

adjective

scent

2 of 2

verb

scented; scenting; scents

transitive verb

1

a

: to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell

b

: to get or have an inkling of

scent trouble

2

: to imbue or fill with odor

scented the air with perfume

intransitive verb

1

: to yield an odor of some specified kind

this scents of sulfur

also : to bear indication or suggestions

2

: to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey

Synonyms

Noun

• aroma
• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• spice

Verb

• incense
• odorize
• perfume

Choose the Right Synonym for scent

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

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of scent in a Sentence

Noun

The flower has a wonderful scent.

The dogs followed the fox's scent.

The prisoner escaped because the dogs lost his scent.

Verb

The dog scented a rabbit.

She scented the air with perfume.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Both scents are available in body sprays and aluminum-free deodorant sticks, joining AXE’s existing lineup of fan favorites like Blue Lavender and Black Vanilla. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The scents are delicious without ever smelling overbearing, the burn times are on point, and the candle jars blend in as pretty decor in any room. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Apr. 2025

Verb

In another room, heated to 90 degrees and scented to simulate the smell of an African village, visitors pick up two weighted jerrycans and walk on a treadmill surrounded by floor-to-ceiling LED screens—viscerally conveying a reality no statistic could. —Megan Bruneau, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

This all-purpose detergent is decadently (but not overwhelmingly) scented with notes of lily of the valley, musk, and sandalwood for a bright, crisp scent, skillfully targeting dirt stains and grime every wash. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English sent, from Anglo-French sente, from sentir

Verb

Middle English senten, from Anglo-French sentir to feel, smell, from Latin sentire to perceive, feel — more at sense

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Phrases Containing scent

• on the scent of
• put (an animal) off the/someone's scent
• scent hound

Rhymes for scent

• bent
• blent
• cent
• ent
• fent
• lent
• meant
• pent
• rent
• rente
• sent
• spent

Kids Definition

scent

1 of 2 noun

ˈsent 

1

a

: an odor left by an animal

b

: a particular and usually agreeable odor

2

a

: sense of smell

a keen scent

b

: power of detection : nose sense 5

3

: a course of pursuit or discovery

thrown off the scent

4

: hint entry 1 sense 1, inkling

a scent of trouble

5

: perfume entry 1 sense 2

6

: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing

scent

2 of 2 verb

1

a

: to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell

the dog scented a rabbit

b

: to get a hint of

scent trouble

2

: to fill with an odor : perfume

scent a handkerchief