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perfume

A2
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ˈpɜːfjuːm/countableuncountablenoun
  • /ˈpɜːfjuːm/transitiveverb

US

  • /pərfˈjum/

Description

Perfume is more than something that smells nice. It is a scented liquid people put on their skin or clothes to smell pleasant. People often wear it for work, a night out, a special event, or simply as part of their daily routine. A small amount can leave a soft scent that others notice as you pass by.

Many are made from a blend of fragrant oils, alcohol, and other ingredients. As the scent changes over time, you may notice a fresh smell at first and a warmer one later. People choose different kinds to match their mood, the season, or the image they want to give. In that way, it can feel personal, almost like part of someone's style.

Examples

  1. 1

    Getting ready

    She put on a little perfume before dinner.

  2. 2

    Daily habit

    Do you wear perfume every day, or only on special occasions?

  3. 3

    Shared space

    The elevator smelled strongly of perfume.

    • Pattern

      smell of + scent

      have that smell

  4. 4

    Gift

    He bought her a small bottle of perfume for her birthday.

  5. 5

    Fragrance preference

    This perfume is too sweet for me; I prefer something lighter.

  6. 6

    Product types

    The shop sells perfumes from small independent brands.

    • Grammar

      perfumes

      different kinds of perfume or perfume products

  7. 7

    Pleasant smell

    Roses perfumed the warm evening air.

    • Phrase

      perfume the air

      fill the air with a pleasant smell

Forms and spellings

4 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • perfumenounverb

Forms

  • perfumespluralnounverb
  • perfumedpast tenseverbnoun
  • perfuming-ing formverbnoun