scent

1 of 2

noun

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
scentless 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
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
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

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.

Kids Definition

scent

1 of 2 noun
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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on scent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!