musk

noun

ˈməsk How to pronounce musk (audio)
Synonyms of musk
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.
Warm yet uplifting with a strong hit of black tea, Still Bloom's cardomom, sesame, and orange top notes hit like a shot of caffeine before dissipating into a mellow, comforting underbelly of musk, rose and cedarwood, to name a few. — ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026 The new fragrance mood favors contrast over polish, with notes like tomato leaf, wet soil and smoke showing up where sugar and musk once dominated. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026 One of the buds formed a small receptacle that held some musk and balsam, rare and expensive fragrances. — Joëlle Rollo-Koster, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026 DedCool understood the assignment and included a warm base of Australian sandalwood, amber, and white musk to soften the scent. — Vivien Lee, InStyle, 3 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing musk

Rhymes for musk

See All Rhymes for musk

Browse Nearby Words

musive
musk
muskadel
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Cite this Entry

“Musk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/musk. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

musk

noun
ˈməsk How to pronounce musk (audio)
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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for musk

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about musk

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