musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

a

: a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative

also : a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute

b

: the odor of musk

also : an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence

2

: any of various plants with musky odors

especially : musk plant

Examples of musk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rock River Melody is on the warmer side of the green spectrum, and uses patchouli and cedar to blanket the wearer along with musk and amber. —Adam Hurly, Robb Report, 3 July 2025

According to Brooks, the technology showed that longer-lasting scents were often associated with sensuality, including musks and gourmands. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 27 June 2025

Melody is a modern floral musk, blended with white musk, rose absolute, and blackcurrant, with warm cocooning notes of vanilla, cashmere wood, and cedarwood. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Orange blossom wrapped in musk and sea salt for a comfortingly warm result. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 20 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English muske, from Middle French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Late Greek moschos, from Middle Persian *mušk-, from Sanskrit muṣka testicle, from diminutive of mūṣ mouse; akin to Old English mūs mouse

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing musk

• musk deer
• musk ox
• musk plant
• musk rose
• musk thistle
• musk turtle

Rhymes for musk

• brusque
• busk
• dusk
• husk
• tusk

Kids Definition

musk

noun

ˈməsk 

1

: a strong-smelling substance obtained usually from the male musk deer and used in perfume

also : a substance of comparable odor that is from another animal (as a skunk) or is prepared artificially

2

: an odor of or resembling that of musk