What does "perfume" mean?

1. (fragrant liquid) a liquid with a strong, pleasant smell that people put on their bodies. 2. (a pleasant smell) a sweet or pleasant smell in the air. 3. (to add a scent) to give something a pleasant smell.

How do you use "perfume"?

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object.

perfume

n. · v.

US //pɝfˈjum// per·fume

1 fragrant liquid (n.)
A2 Elementary

a liquid with a strong, pleasant smell that people put on their bodies.

a fragrant liquid, typically made from essential oils and alcohol, applied to the body for its pleasant scent.

Example

She received a bottle of expensive French perfume for her birthday.

Example

The luxury brand launched a new perfume featuring notes of sandalwood and jasmine, targeting a younger demographic than their previous collections.
2 a pleasant smell (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a sweet or pleasant smell in the air.

a pleasant or sweet odor emitted by a substance, such as a flower or spice.

Example

The perfume of the roses filled the entire garden.

Example

As the sun set, the heavy perfume of night-blooming jasmine drifted through the open windows of the villa.
- stench
- stink

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3 to add a scent (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

to give something a pleasant smell.

to impregnate or fill a space or object with a fragrant scent.

Example

Fresh flowers were used to perfume the hallway before the guests arrived.

Example

The baker used orange blossom water to perfume the delicate pastries, creating a subtle floral aroma that complemented the honey.

Usage

This is a transitive verb that takes a direct object.
- scent
- freshen

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French parfum, perfum. Doublet of parfum.