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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for musk 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of musk was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near musk

Cite this Entry

“Musk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musk. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

musk

noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on musk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!