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

The combination yields a woody musk, with the faint sweetness of vanilla balancing out the overall fragrance intensity. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 18 Dec. 2024

With notes of spruce, musk, amber, and vetiver, The Cottage candle has a cozy woody vibe that will remind you of an old country store just before a winter snowstorm. —Amanda Lauren, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

Created by celebrated perfumer Daphné Bugey, this effortlessly elegant scent features high-quality citrus notes of bergamot, mandarin, and orange blossom with a dose of pink pepper to compliment the woody and earthy notes of chestnut, cedar, vetiver, and musk. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 5 Dec. 2024

The seasonal twist on the historic fragrance—which first hit the market in 1977 with notes of patchouli and vanilla—centers around a marshmallow musk accord. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 4 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