musk

noun

ˈməsk 

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

Adriatic Gold pairs bergamot Calabria, mandarin Italy, orange flower absolute Tunisia, jasmine absolute Egypt, ylang absolute, angelica seed, black pepper, sandalwood, rice absolute and white musk. —James Manso, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2026

The Aire Sutileza Elixir is floral, fresh and earthy, featuring notes of pear, lemon, jasmine sambac, vetiver, sandalwood and musk. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026

Soon after, soft white florals bloom against a backdrop of musk, creating a clean, satin-like sensation on the skin. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Apr. 2026

The snake rattled angrily, thrashed wildly, and sprayed considerable rattlesnake musk or scent. —Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026

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

Phrases Containing musk

• musk deer
• musk ox
• musk plant
• musk rose
• musk thistle
• musk turtle

Rhymes for musk

• brusque
• busk
• dusk
• husk
• tusk

Kids Definition

musk

noun

ˈməsk 

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