perfume trail

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perfume trail" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a scent or fragrance that lingers in the air, often associated with a person or place. Example: "As she walked by, a delightful perfume trail followed her, captivating everyone in the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

As she hurled herself into a cab, trailing perfume and hat ribbons, she heard a deep booming voice from the construction site.

The New York Times

LOWER EAST SIDE Barbecue chicken; teak; sugary nuts; a zingy flowery perfume with a powdery trail; packaging; confusing perfume; renovation; garbage; butter.

The New York Times

A swell of humming conversation, wine, perfume, and roasting garlic trailed them through the open doors.

The New Yorker

Her desire for commission came off gracefully, like the trail of a perfume, and didn't annoy me at all.

The New York Times

Doubrovska was mysterious, glamorous and playfully aristocratic; Danilova wore lilac perfume, long false eyelashes and trailed lime green chiffon.

The New York Times - Arts

She approached Owens with tottering steps, trailing a wake of musky perfume and cigarette smoke.

The New Yorker

When she leaves the stage at the Carlyle, she trails memories behind her like perfume, leaving more life in her wake.

The New Yorker

On the other hand, he said admiringly, the Guerlain scent had a marvellous sillage — the olfactory wake that trails behind a wearer of perfume.

The New Yorker

She allowed each phrase to linger intoxicatingly, so that her dancing trailed a cloud of delicate, heady perfume.

The Guardian

Legend said he would trail about the theater, frightening actors with the scent of perfume on his clothes.

The New York Times

We all learned so much from her: that the correct amount of perfume to wear is roughly half a bottle, so you trail it like a ship's wake.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: this phrase is best suited for descriptive writing where sensory details are important.

Common error

Avoid using "perfume trail" in formal or technical documents where precise language is required. Opt for more neutral terms like "residual scent" or "lingering fragrance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perfume trail" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a detectable path of fragrance, typically associated with someone who has applied perfume. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perfume trail" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to depict a lingering scent. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While not particularly frequent, the phrase effectively creates a sensory image and evokes a sense of lingering presence. Consider using alternative phrases like "lingering scent" in more formal contexts or to avoid repetition. Be mindful of overusing it in technical writing, where more precise terms might be preferred. The phrase's neutral to informal register makes it suitable for descriptive writing, aiming to capture a specific olfactory experience. Given the lack of examples, usage frequencies across categories are currently even, suggesting a need for more real-world data to establish definitive patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Scented trail

This option is a direct synonym, simply replacing "perfume" with "scented".

Sillage of perfume

Sillage refers specifically to the trail of scent left by a perfume wearer.

Scent of perfume

This alternative focuses on the aroma itself, omitting the idea of a trail or path.

Lingering scent

This alternative emphasizes the persistent nature of the smell.

Aroma that lingers

This version focuses on the lingering aspect of the aroma.

Fragrance signature

This phrase highlights the unique and recognizable scent associated with someone.

Fragrant aura

This phrase suggests a surrounding atmosphere of scent.

Aromatic wake

This option uses 'wake' to suggest the scent left behind, similar to a ship's wake.

Olfactory signature

This is a more technical term for a distinctive smell.

Whiff of perfume

Implies a brief, passing scent rather than a continuous trail.

FAQs

How can I describe a lingering scent without using "perfume trail"?

You can use phrases such as "lingering scent", "scent of perfume", or "aroma that lingers" to describe a smell that remains after someone or something has left.

Is "perfume trail" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "perfume trail" is more suited for descriptive or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "residual scent".

What does 'sillage' mean in relation to "perfume trail"?

Sillage refers specifically to the trail or wake of scent left behind by a perfume wearer. It's a more technical term that's closely related to the concept of a "perfume trail".

Can "perfume trail" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "perfume trail" can be used metaphorically to describe a lingering influence or impression, similar to how a scent remains after someone's departure. However, ensure the context is appropriate for such figurative language.