English · Word Candidate

scent

/sɛnt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: scents · scenting · scented

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A distinctive smell.

Noun

the scent of flowers / of a skunk

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

A smell left by an animal that may be used for tracing.

Noun

The dogs picked up / caught the scent but then quickly lost it.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To detect the scent of; to discern by the sense of smell.

Verb

The hounds scented the fox in the woods.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To inhale in order to detect the scent of (something).

Verb

I paused to scent the breeze as I entered the valley.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “scent” mean?

A distinctive smell.

Is “scent” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.