What does perfuming mean?
Perfuming is the present participle of the verb “perfume,” meaning to apply a fragrance to a person, object, garment, or room, or to fill a space with a sweet scent. The word is somewhat literary and may suggest elegance, luxury, or an old-fashioned ritual, although it is also used plainly in descriptions of commercial and domestic fragrance. Perfuming can involve liquid perfume, scented oils, flowers, spices, or other aromatic substances, so it does not necessarily refer to spraying a conventional perfume. In sentences such as “perfuming the air,” the action can be more atmospheric than deliberately cosmetic, describing a place made fragrant by blossoms, incense, food, or incense-filled air. The word derives from the older tradition of burning aromatic materials: its Latin components mean, approximately, “to smoke through.” Today, “perfuming” remains perfectly understandable, but modern speakers often choose simpler alternatives when describing routine acts such as applying fragrance. It is nevertheless useful for vivid, evocative writing, particularly when scent is an important part of a scene.
verbApplying perfume to a person or object so as to give it a pleasant fragrance; spreading a sweet scent through a space.
- Applying perfume or fragrance to a person, object, or surface.
- Spreading a pleasant fragrance through a room or other enclosed space.
"The florist perfumed the showroom with lilies and jasmine."
"She was perfuming the cushions with lavender before the guests arrived."
"Warm spices perfumed the kitchen throughout the afternoon."
Perfume began in the world of smoke: its name literally combines Latin per- (“through”) with fumare (“to smoke”).
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does perfuming come from?
English “perfume” developed through French from the Italian “profumare,” ultimately from Latin per- (“through”) and fumare (“to smoke”), with fumus meaning “smoke.” The original sense was connected with passing smoke through or filling a space with fragrant smoke. “Perfuming” is the modern English present participle of that inherited verb and now more commonly denotes applying or emitting a pleasant scent.
Related word forms
How perfuming is actually used
Perfuming is somewhat literary and old-fashioned compared with more neutral expressions such as “putting on perfume” or “spraying fragrance.” It can suggest elegance, luxury, nostalgia, or an old-fashioned ritual, but it is also used plainly in descriptions of commercial and domestic fragrance.
Easily confused with perfuming
Perfuming means giving something a pleasant fragrance, whereas fumigating generally means using smoke, vapor, or gas to disinfect or control pests.