scent
sehnt
Scent (noun) means a distinctive smell. Example: “The scent of fresh bread filled the kitchen.”
noun
1
A distinctive smell.
"The scent of fresh bread filled the kitchen."
"Her perfume left a faint scent in the room."
"A sweet scent of lavender drifted in through the open window."
2
A trail of smell left by an animal or person that can be followed.
"The hounds picked up the fox's scent near the hedge."
"The tracker followed the scent of the missing sheep across the field."
"Rain washed away the scent, so the search dogs lost the trail."
verb
1
To detect something by smell.
"The dog scented food from across the yard."
"Sharks can scent a single drop of blood from far away."
"The horse scented rain on the wind and became restless."
How to use scent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA smell, especially a distinctive or pleasant one, or the trail such a smell leaves behind.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "cent" (a coin) or "sent" (past tense of "send") — all three sound alike.
Common pairings
pick up a scent
faint scent
scent trail
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Word forms
- Plural
- scents
- Third person singular
- scents
- Past tense
- scented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of fresh bread filled the kitchen.
Etymology
From Old French sentir, "to feel, perceive, smell," ultimately from Latin sentire, "to feel" — the same root behind "sense."
Related words
Rhymes for scent
See all rhymes for scent →Frequently asked questions
What does “scent” mean?
The word “scent” means a distinctive smell. In plain terms, a smell, especially a distinctive or pleasant one, or the trail such a smell leaves behind.
How do you pronounce “scent”?
“Scent” is pronounced sehnt (/sɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “scent” in a sentence?
Here is “scent” used in a sentence: “The scent of fresh bread filled the kitchen.”
What part of speech is “scent”?
Depending on how it is used, “scent” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scent” come from?
The word “scent” comes from Latin. From Old French sentir, "to feel, perceive, smell," ultimately from Latin sentire, "to feel" — the same root behind "sense.".
Is “scent” a common word?
“Scent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scent” have?
“Scent” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a distinctive smell.
What is the difference between a "scent" and an "odor"?
"Scent" often carries a more pleasant or neutral connotation, commonly used for perfumes, flowers, or an animal's distinctive smell, while "odor" is more neutral or sometimes negative in tone. Both refer to a distinctive smell, but "scent" also has the specific meaning of a trail left by an animal that can be tracked or followed.
What does it mean when a dog "follows a scent"?
When a dog follows a scent, it is tracking a trail of smell left behind by an animal or person, using its sense of smell to locate them. This tracking sense is a specific meaning of "scent" distinct from simply describing a smell.
Can "scent" be used as a verb?
Yes, as a verb "scent" means to detect something by smell, as in "the dog scented the intruder before anyone saw them." This verb usage is closely tied to the noun sense of a trail that can be tracked.
