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
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
scented; scenting; scents
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
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
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
Katie Chang, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Kate Middleton’s go-to scent, Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne, is finally discounted, as are other luxury faves like Chanel (!!!), the Original J'Dore by Dior scent, Bond No. 9, and Viktor&Rolf.
—Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2023
The star of this two-piece fragrance set is the luxury label's warm, floral scent, which features notes of bourbon vanilla and jasmine.
—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 26 Nov. 2023
This eco-friendly candle comes in three sizes and features a mouthwatering scent profile of cinnamon, vanilla, clove and ginger.
—People Staff, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Infusing the air with the cozy scents of citrus and evergreen, this snowglobe brings a touch of Christmas cheer inside their home.
—Jamie Fischer, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
It has also been used extensively in perfumery to add a leathery scent and as a lure for beaver trapping.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
All your giftee has to do is fit it with water and a few drops of the preferred oil to fill any room with calming scents.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
This is a fantastic conditioner with an even-better scent.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
Jamie Fischer, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Photograph: Mariya Borisova/Getty Images Snail facial serum with gold flakes for $3.20, a litter box for $2.34, and candles shaped and scented like Starbucks Frappuccinos for $5.63.
—Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
Fresh sage and sweet onions scent the bird from the inside out, while each ounce of the skin gets a hearty dose of savory, salty flavor from the strips of bacon that practically melt into the exterior.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2023
The 8 Best Laundry Detergents of 2023, According to Testing
This is big news for dedicated shoppers who have come up with innovative ways to create their own DIY laundry care products by spraying dryer sheets or adding Bath & Body Works scented soaps to their detergent.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2023
The show’s venue, an 18th-century Parisian townhouse once belonging to Karl Lagerfeld, had been scented with room sprays and candles from the collection across three expressions, all three of which are tied to deeply personal memories.
—Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2023
Lacquers of roasted pecan caramel scented with orange blossom water added sneaky complexity.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023
By all means, tap Degen for some Greek wine recommendations (her descriptions are a hoot) and stick around for the ethereal milk pudding speckled with vanilla bean paste and scented with orange blossom water.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2023
The Top Fall Decorating Trends of 2023 What Are Cinnamon Brooms?
Usually made of pine straw and scented with cinnamon oil, cinnamon brooms are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023
See More
Noun
The clean-burning coconut wax is hand-poured into elegant Riedel crystal vessels, and the crisp scent mixing bergamot, magnolia, and amber is reminiscent of an open-air drive around Capri with the citrusy air kissing your skin.
—Katie Chang, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2023
Kate Middleton’s go-to scent, Jo Malone’s Orange Blossom cologne, is finally discounted, as are other luxury faves like Chanel (!!!), the Original J'Dore by Dior scent, Bond No. 9, and Viktor&Rolf.
—Shanna Shipin, Glamour, 27 Nov. 2023
The star of this two-piece fragrance set is the luxury label's warm, floral scent, which features notes of bourbon vanilla and jasmine.
—Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 26 Nov. 2023
This eco-friendly candle comes in three sizes and features a mouthwatering scent profile of cinnamon, vanilla, clove and ginger.
—People Staff, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023
Infusing the air with the cozy scents of citrus and evergreen, this snowglobe brings a touch of Christmas cheer inside their home.
—Jamie Fischer, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
It has also been used extensively in perfumery to add a leathery scent and as a lure for beaver trapping.
—Margaret Osborne, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
All your giftee has to do is fit it with water and a few drops of the preferred oil to fill any room with calming scents.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 17 Nov. 2023
This is a fantastic conditioner with an even-better scent.
—Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 16 Nov. 2023
Verb
Decorated like a picturesque holiday house and scented with blackcurrant, plum, lemon, and lavender, this playful pick serves as both a festive knick knack and a fragrant candle.
—Jamie Fischer, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2023
Photograph: Mariya Borisova/Getty Images Snail facial serum with gold flakes for $3.20, a litter box for $2.34, and candles shaped and scented like Starbucks Frappuccinos for $5.63.
—Amanda Hoover, WIRED, 20 Nov. 2023
Fresh sage and sweet onions scent the bird from the inside out, while each ounce of the skin gets a hearty dose of savory, salty flavor from the strips of bacon that practically melt into the exterior.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2023
The 8 Best Laundry Detergents of 2023, According to Testing
This is big news for dedicated shoppers who have come up with innovative ways to create their own DIY laundry care products by spraying dryer sheets or adding Bath & Body Works scented soaps to their detergent.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2023
The show’s venue, an 18th-century Parisian townhouse once belonging to Karl Lagerfeld, had been scented with room sprays and candles from the collection across three expressions, all three of which are tied to deeply personal memories.
—Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2023
Lacquers of roasted pecan caramel scented with orange blossom water added sneaky complexity.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2023
By all means, tap Degen for some Greek wine recommendations (her descriptions are a hoot) and stick around for the ethereal milk pudding speckled with vanilla bean paste and scented with orange blossom water.
—Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, 25 Sep. 2023
The Top Fall Decorating Trends of 2023 What Are Cinnamon Brooms?
Usually made of pine straw and scented with cinnamon oil, cinnamon brooms are believed to bring good fortune and prosperity.
—Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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
Time Traveler
The first known use of scent was
in the 15th century
Phrases Containing scent
Articles Related to scent
Dictionary Entries Near scent
Cite this Entry
“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scent. Accessed 9 Dec. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
scent
1 of 2 noun1
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
6
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
scent
2 of 2 verb1
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
More from Merriam-Webster on scent
Nglish: Translation of scent for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of scent for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scent
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