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

Midnight Orchard leans spicy and sweet with peach, apricot, sandalwood, and musk. —Robyn Merrett, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025

Eau Triple Komi Forest is a divine, woody, rainy, light pine musk. —Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

In this sparkling scent, the sleep-promoting note is wrapped in orange blossom, amber, cedar, and musk. —Jenny Berg, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025

Featuring addicting notes of bergamot, lychee, Turkish rose, lily of the valley and peony, this ensemble is complemented by the creamy and powdery finish of vanilla, musk and cashmere. —Denise Primbet, Glamour, 5 Mar. 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