WordGarden.ioscent
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛnt/
US
- /ˈsɛnt/
Meanings
Noun
a distinctive smell, especially a pleasant one
a perfume or scented product sold as a particular fragrance
a smell trail left by a person or animal that can be followed
Verb
to give something a particular smell, especially a pleasant one
to sense or suspect that something is present or likely
to detect or follow by smell, especially when said of an animal
Beyond the definition
A scent is a smell that stands out, often one that is pleasant or easy to notice. Think of fresh bread drifting through a bakery, or lavender from a calming lotion. While "smell" is a general word for what your nose detects, "scent" often feels softer and more specific. A dog or detective might follow a scent to track someone, while you might enjoy the scent of pine trees on a hike. It can also bring back memories; a certain perfume might remind you of a person or a time from years ago.
The word "scent" refers to a distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant, noticeable, or tied to a source. It is often used for fragrance, but it can also mean a trace in the air that people or animals can follow. Think of the scent of rain on hot pavement, the earthy scent of a forest floor, or the delicate scent of roses in bloom.
Scent can be used literally to describe what your nose perceives: "The air was filled with the scent of jasmine." But it also carries figurative meaning. A "scent of scandal" suggests that rumors and suspicion are in the air. To "catch a scent of something" can mean to notice a small sign of it, like a detective picking up an early clue.
Historically, scent has been linked to tracking animals (think hunting dogs following a scent trail). This origin explains why the word often implies a journey or pursuit. You might say someone is "on the scent" of a solution, meaning they are close to discovering something important.
Scent also plays a powerful role in memory and emotion. Certain smells can instantly take you back to specific moments in time, bringing back clear memories and feelings. This connection between scent and memory makes it important in storytelling and personal experience. So, whether it is a light fragrance or a stronger smell, scent is about more than what we notice with our nose; it is also about the experiences, memories, and emotions that come with it.
Examples
- 1
Cooking
The kitchen was filled with the warm scent of fresh bread.
- 2
Personal fragrance
I recognized the scent of his aftershave as soon as he walked in.
- 3
Product fragrance
Lavender gives the soap a light, clean scent.
- 4
Animal tracking
The dog picked up the rabbit's scent near the river.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Investigation
The reporters knew they were on the scent after the first witness came forward.
- Phraseon the scent
close to finding out the truth about someone or something
- 6
Verb use
Sharks can scent blood from far away.
- 7
Product description
This hand cream is lightly scented with orange blossom.
- Patternscented with + smell
given that particular smell
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- scentnounverb
Forms
- scentedpast tenseverbnoun
- scentspluralnounverb
- scenting-ing formverbnoun