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

In return, the U.S. sent China a pair of musk oxen named Milton and Mathilda. —Phaedra Trethan, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025

The sale, which was required by Congress, marks the second time in four years that an effort to auction oil and gas leases in the pristine wilderness — home to migrating caribou, polar bears, musk oxen, millions of birds and other wildlife — has been a flop. —Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2025

The combination of vanilla, tonka bean, and a hint of musk reduces the hyper-sweetness and, instead, allows the fragrance to feel more approachable and balanced. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

This guide is broken down into recommendations based on Santal 33’s components: smokey, woody, floral, and musk, plus some wild card options for good measure. —Rose Dommu, Them, 11 Dec. 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