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 This hair and body fragrance mist has warm, woody notes of amber and musk, while the lightweight formula ensures your locks remain soft and shiny. Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 All of the products are scented with Temple Oud, a subtle blend of Australian sandalwood, musk, and night blooming jasmine. Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2024 In addition to the floral notes, the candle is scented with earthy tones like sandalwood and musk. Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 Choose between three scents: Rosie (nude musk and sweet rose), Leila Lou (pear, jasmine, and fresh-cut grass), and dulce (vanilla, hinoki wood, and nude musk). Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2023 At first spray is fresh and floral with notes of bergamot, neroli and blood mandarin and then the musk emerges to give it a sweaty, skin-like element. Garrett Munce, Men's Health, 3 Sep. 2023 Notes: Bulgarian rose, peach blossom, musk Sizes: 3.4 oz. Ariana Yaptangco, Glamour, 24 Jan. 2024 This perfume comes in a luxe glass bottle and features notes of nude musk and sweet rose for an everyday scent. Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 4 Feb. 2024 Its profile comes across as a floral amber musk with a Lily of the Valley top note, an Ambergris middle note, and a dry Amber Woods base. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'musk.' 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 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 19 Mar. 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

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