# pheromone

/ˈfɛɹəˌmoʊn/ (US) · /fˈɛɹəmˌəʊn/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pheromone
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

a chemical substance that animals release to send messages to others of their own kind. It can signal things like danger, food, or a desire to mate.

For teachers: a chemical substance secreted by an organism that triggers a specific behavioural or physiological response in another member of the same species. Often used to facilitate communication regarding social hierarchy, alarm, or sexual attraction.

## Examples

- The male moth follows the scent of a pheromone to find a mate.
- Scientists are studying how certain insects use a specific pheromone to warn others in the colony about a nearby predator.
- While humans do not consciously perceive pheromones in the same way as many mammals, research suggests that these chemical signals may still influence subconscious social and romantic preferences.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.