musky

¹ American  

[muhs-kee] / ˈmʌs ki /

adjective

muskier, muskiest

1. of or like musk, as an odor.

   a musky perfume.

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musky ² American  

[muhs-kee] / ˈmʌs ki /

noun

plural

muskies

1. muskellunge.

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musky ¹ British  

/ ˈmʌskɪ /

adjective

1. resembling the smell of musk; having a heady or pungent sweet aroma

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musky ² British  

/ ˈmʌskɪ /

noun

1. an informal name for the muskellunge

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Other Word Forms

• muskiness noun

Etymology

Origin of musky¹

First recorded in 1600–10; musk + -y ¹

Origin of musky²

musk(ellunge) + -y ²

Example Sentences

The mild, musky smell told him the animals were well cared for.

From Literature

It smelled of wet fur and wet feathers, and under it the musky, soft, growing smell of young animal.

From Literature

I get close enough to catch a whiff of Woo’s scent—a musky combination of wet fur and cheesy pizza grease.

From Literature

It wasn’t until the wind changed and a musky scent wafted by that the robot understood the danger.

From Literature

The author burrowed into lexicographical lore, adjusting to the “musky” smell of old paper, but was alive to the need to register the zeitgeist.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• fragrant
• piquant