Cologne is a lightly scented liquid that people spray or dab on their skin to smell pleasant. The word comes from the German city of Cologne, where this type of fragrance was first made famous in the 1700s.

Cologne contains fragrant oils mixed with alcohol and water, creating scents like citrus, wood, or spices. It's similar to perfume but lighter and less concentrated, so the smell doesn't last as long or feel as strong. While anyone can wear cologne, it's traditionally been more popular with men, just as perfume has been more popular with women (though these distinctions matter less today).

You might notice adults applying cologne before work or special occasions. A little goes a long way: too much cologne can overwhelm a room and bother people around you, while the right amount adds a subtle, pleasant scent. Some people develop a signature cologne they wear regularly, so friends and family associate that particular smell with them.

The word is sometimes used more broadly to mean any light fragrance, regardless of where it was made. When shopping, you might see bottles labeled eau de cologne (French for “water of Cologne”), which refers to this traditional, lighter style of fragrance.