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

Related Articles Retrospect is nuanced; there are notes of bergamot, pear, jasmine, and musk, plus aldehydes that are inherent to classic perfumes like Chanel No. 5. —Claire Sullivan, WWD, 22 Oct. 2024

The budget-friendly perfume’s notes include neroli blossom, cedar wood, and suede musk, giving it a similarly warm and spicy aroma. —Julia Guerra, StyleCaster, 28 Oct. 2024

When you’re done, your hair is left with a light, lingering scent of fresh mint, peony, and freesia with a hint of musk. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2024

The eau de parfum includes top notes of Madagascar black pepper and Italian mandarin; heart notes of jasmine sambac absolute and rhubarb, and base notes of Indonesian patchouli and skin musk. —James Manso, WWD, 24 Oct. 2024

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

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