Meaning & Definition
noun
A distinctive smell, especially one that is pleasant.
The scent of blooming flowers filled the air in the garden.
A fragrance or odor that can trigger memories or emotions.
She was reminded of her childhood every time she caught a whiff of the scent of fresh-baked cookies.
The ability to smell; an olfactory perception.
Dogs have a highly developed sense of scent, which aids them in tracking and hunting.
verb
To perceive or detect a smell.
The dog scented the trail and began to follow it.
To apply a fragrance to something.
She scented her room with lavender oil to create a calming atmosphere.
Etymology
Middle English; from Old French 'sentir' meaning to smell.
Common Phrases and Expressions
scent of success:
a feeling or indication that one is likely to achieve success.
scent trails:
paths marked by the smell of an animal or object, often used in tracking.
follow your nose:
to follow a smell to find something.
caught the scent:
to notice or become aware of something.
Slang Meanings
In hip-hop culture, indicates something that is appealing or noteworthy.
That new track has a real scent to it.
Used to describe an attractive person or something eye-catching.
She's got that scent, you know what I mean?