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
Ina Garten, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024
Gnats will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar, enter through the holes and get trapped in the dish.
—The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scent 
Noun
When each dinner guest unfolded their packet, the scent of vanilla and fresh herbs wafted into the air.
—Ina Garten, The New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2024
Gnats will be attracted to the scent of the vinegar, enter through the holes and get trapped in the dish.
—The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for scent
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 3 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share