ambergris

noun

am·​ber·​gris ˈam-bər-ˌgris How to pronounce ambergris (audio)
-ˌgrē(s)
: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative

Examples of ambergris in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Daisy is a warm blend of ambergris and sandalwood, while Cowboy is an outdoorsy combo of ambergris and leather. Hedy Phillips, Peoplemag, 4 Dec. 2023 Leather, ambergris and cashmere mix effortlessly with tuberose, salt and monoi oil for a fantastic aromatic experience. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Imagination was composed by Louis Vuitton’s master perfumer Jacques Cavallier Belletrud, who conceived of the international array of notes as a way to pay homage to ambrox, a humane alternative to the alluring ingredient ambergris. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 5 June 2021 Cypress wood, essence of coriander, cedarwood and ambergris accord are the notes that turn the fragrance into a lavish forest scent. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 The finest ambergris develops an incomparably lovely, sweet, musky odor that seems to combine perfume, the sea, and some primordial animal scent. Mallory Locklear, Discover Magazine, 12 Oct. 2014 The delicate top notes of cedrat and ginger mix with a sensual base of Le Labo’s trademark ambergris, musk, and wood. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 30 Sep. 2022 For another gentle but capable option, try the Laundress’s new Summer Fridays offering ($25), which is dermatologist tested and free of petroleum, phthalates and parabens — and smells of oak moss, sweet water, jasmine and warm ambergris. Tilly MacAlister-Smith Angela Koh Angela Koh Aliza Abarbanel Arden Fanning Andrews, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ambergris.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ambregris, from Middle French ambre gris, from ambre + gris gray — more at grizzle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ambergris was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near ambergris

Cite this Entry

“Ambergris.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambergris. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

ambergris

noun
am·​ber·​gris ˈam-bər-ˌgris How to pronounce ambergris (audio)
-ˌgrēs
: a waxy substance from the sperm whale that is used to make perfumes

Medical Definition

ambergris

noun
am·​ber·​gris ˈam-bər-ˌgris How to pronounce ambergris (audio) -ˌgrē(s) How to pronounce ambergris (audio)
: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative

More from Merriam-Webster on ambergris

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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