perfume

American  

[pur-fyoom, per-fyoom, per-fyoom, pur-fyoom] / ˈpɜr fyum, pərˈfyum, pərˈfyum, ˈpɜr fyum /

noun

1. a substance, extract, or preparation for diffusing or imparting an agreeable or attractive smell, especially a fluid containing fragrant natural oils extracted from flowers, woods, etc., or similar synthetic oils.

   Synonyms:

   incense , scent , attar , essence

2. the scent, odor, or volatile particles emitted by substances that smell agreeable.

   Antonyms:

   stench

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verb (used with object)

perfumed, perfuming

1. (of substances, flowers, etc.) to impart a pleasant fragrance to.

2. to impregnate with a sweet odor; scent.

perfume British  

noun

1. a mixture of alcohol and fragrant essential oils extracted from flowers, spices, etc, or made synthetically, used esp to impart a pleasant long-lasting scent to the body, stationery, etc See also cologne toilet water

2. a scent or odour, esp a fragrant one

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verb

1. (tr) to impart a perfume to

Related Words

Perfume, aroma, fragrance all refer to agreeable odors. Perfume often indicates a strong, rich smell, natural or manufactured: the perfume of flowers. Fragrance is usually applied to fresh, delicate, and delicious odors, especially from growing things: fragrance of new-mown hay. Aroma is restricted to a somewhat spicy smell: the aroma of coffee.

Other Word Forms

• perfumeless adjective
• perfumy adjective
• unperfumed adjective

Etymology

Origin of perfume

First recorded in 1525–35; earlier parfume (noun), from Middle French parfum, noun derivative of parfumer (verb), from obsolete Italian parfumare (modern profumare ). See per-, fume

Example Sentences

A Russian mercenary boss is releasing one profanity-laced tirade after another, claiming that corrupt Russian generals who “all reek of expensive perfume” are sending soldiers to their deaths.

From New York Times

His specialty is imaging up a landscape that utilizes pebbles and rocks, trees that are more natural, with lights illuminating them at night, and flowers like gardenias that perfume the entrance to a home.

From Los Angeles Times

Whether you have a vast yard or a tiny fire escape, basking in spring breezes and the perfume of erupting blossoms can invigorate your mood and boost your productivity.

From New York Times

If you're creating a beautiful perfume, they often have notes that are very bad smelling in it, but overall, it gives the perfume or the fragrance a rich depth.

From Salon

Valued for its lasting fragrance, sweet woodruff is used commercially in perfumes and natural potpourris.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aroma
• bouquet
• incense
• odor
• oil
• smell
• spice