1
: effluvia from a substance that affect the sense of smell: such as
a
: an odor left by an animal on a surface passed over
b
: a characteristic or particular odor
especially
: one that is agreeable
2
a
: power of smelling : sense of smell
a keen scent
b
: power of detection : nose
a scent for heresy
3
: a course of pursuit or discovery
throw one off the scent
4
: inkling, intimation
a scent of trouble
5
6
: bits of paper dropped in the game of hare and hounds
7
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
scented; scenting; scents
1
a
: to perceive by the olfactory organs : smell
b
: to get or have an inkling of
scent trouble
2
: to imbue or fill with odor
scented the air with perfume
1
: to yield an odor of some specified kind
this scents of sulfur
also
: to bear indication or suggestions
2
: to use the nose in seeking or tracking prey
Synonyms
Examples of scent in a Sentence
Noun
The flower has a wonderful scent.
The dogs followed the fox's scent.
The prisoner escaped because the dogs lost his scent.
Verb
The dog scented a rabbit.
She scented the air with perfume.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
Montgomery and Krieps wore separate scents for Jack, Jill and Elizabeth, to provide a sensory trigger to switch between performances.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
This seasonal must-have features vibrant fresh cranberries scented with orange and cinnamon, simmered until thick and luxurious.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scent 
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Noun
Beckham’s display at Château de Bagatelle near Paris was filled with references to her latest scent, which is rooted in a location and moment in time — in this case, a date night with husband David Beckham in a rice field in Java, Indonesia.
—Jennifer Weil, WWD, 5 Nov. 2024
Montgomery and Krieps wore separate scents for Jack, Jill and Elizabeth, to provide a sensory trigger to switch between performances.
—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Nov. 2024
Verb
The set includes those three elements, all scented with Tatcha’s Forest Awakening Essential Oil blend.
—Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 4 Nov. 2024
This seasonal must-have features vibrant fresh cranberries scented with orange and cinnamon, simmered until thick and luxurious.
—Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scent
Articles Related to scent
Dictionary Entries Near scent
Cite this Entry
“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scent. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scent
1 of 2 noun1
a
: an odor left by an animal
b
: a particular and usually agreeable odor
2
a
: sense of smell
a keen scent
b
: power of detection : nose sense 5
3
: a course of pursuit or discovery
thrown off the scent
4
: hint entry 1 sense 1, inkling
a scent of trouble
6
: a mixture prepared for use as a lure in hunting or fishing
scent
2 of 2 verb1
a
: to become aware of or follow through the sense of smell
the dog scented a rabbit
b
: to get a hint of
scent trouble
2
: to fill with an odor : perfume
scent a handkerchief
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