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
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
Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
This partnership comes a few weeks after DedCool, best known for its detergent line, released incense in all three cult-favorite scents.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
Most are scented with hot peppers or garlic and will work for a few days.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scent
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Noun
Perfect for the living room, kitchen, or entryway, the herbal candle’s scent is bright without being overbearing and comes in a neutral grey jar that looks sleek on display.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025
This partnership comes a few weeks after DedCool, best known for its detergent line, released incense in all three cult-favorite scents.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
The property, originally the home of celebrated Italian fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri, still carries the intimacy of a private residence — its walls lined with black-and-white portraits, its air scented faintly with sea salt and frangipani.
—Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 Oct. 2025
Most are scented with hot peppers or garlic and will work for a few days.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scent
Cite this Entry
“Scent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scent. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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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