cologne

noun

co·​logne kə-ˈlōn How to pronounce cologne (audio)
1
: a perfumed liquid composed of alcohol and fragrant oils
2
: a cream or paste of cologne sometimes formed into a semisolid stick
cologned
kə-ˈlōnd How to pronounce cologne (audio)
adjective

Examples of cologne in a Sentence

She put on some cologne and combed her hair. a TV commercial for men's cologne TV commercials for men's colognes.
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.
Then, in an interesting feminist plot twist, Parfums de Marly’s Palatine took a traditionally masculine note in colognes—lavandin—and dropped it into the heart of this overtly feminine perfume to really amplify the sharp tang of these violet petals. — Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 18 Mar. 2025 Grounded by spicy fennel and velvety musks, this unisex cologne boasts impressively long wear, yet is refreshing and light enough to wear on a super humid day. — Emily Orofino, Vogue, 5 Mar. 2025 Slap the Trump name on a Bible or sneakers or watches or cologne and let the proceeds flow. — Allison Morrow, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 Trump markets cologne and perfume bearing his name. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 10 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cologne

Word History

Etymology

Cologne, Germany

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cologne was in 1832

Phrases Containing cologne

Rhymes for cologne

See All Rhymes for cologne

Browse Nearby Words

cologne
Cologne
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Cite this Entry

“Cologne.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cologne. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cologne

noun
co·​logne kə-ˈlōn How to pronounce cologne (audio)
: a liquid similar to perfume but not as strongly scented or as long-lasting
Etymology

named for Cologne, city in Germany where it was first made

Geographical Definition

Cologne

geographical name

Co·​logne kə-ˈlōn How to pronounce Cologne (audio)
variants or German Köln
ˈkœln How to pronounce Cologne (audio)
city on the Rhine River in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, western Germany population 1,005,775

More from Merriam-Webster on cologne

Nglish: Translation of cologne for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cologne

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