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

Built around a creamy musk base, the Summer Mink mixes in elements of sage and Italian citrus, which is topped off with a layer of jasmine sambac. —Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Apr. 2025

Chanel’s in-house perfumer Olivier Polge created Splendide, described as a floral fruity fragrance, with a mix of raspberry accord, faces of crisp fruit, rose, violet and rose geranium accompanied by powdery iris and cedar-white musk accord. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025

Aromas of pear jelly, green apples and a hint of musk oil. —Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

The best musk fragrances have been taking over our editors’ fragrance rotations for their hazy, warm profiles that detours from the usual light, airy fragrances that take over the spring season. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 23 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