Perfume Terms Glossary for Beginners: Every Word Explained (2026)

Perfume has its own vocabulary, and it can feel confusing when you are starting out. This perfume terms glossary for beginners explains the words you will see on labels and in reviews — in plain English — so you can shop with confidence in 2026.

Concentration terms

• Extrait de Parfum — the highest concentration (~20–30%+ oil); richest and longest-lasting. See our extrait guide.
• Eau de Parfum (EDP) — high concentration (~15–20%); long-lasting.
• Eau de Toilette (EDT) — moderate (~5–15%); lighter.
• Eau Fraîche — the lightest (~1–3%). See our eau fraîche guide.

Scent structure terms

• Notes — individual scent elements (like bergamot or rose).
• Accord — several notes blended into one smell. See our accords guide.
• Top / Heart / Base notes — the layers of the notes pyramid. See our pyramid guide.
• Drydown — the final stage, when the base notes settle.

Performance terms

• Sillage — the scent trail you leave behind. See our sillage guide.
• Projection — how far your scent radiates. See our projection guide.
• Longevity — how long the scent lasts on skin.

Fragrance family terms

• Fresh — citrus, aquatic, green.
• Floral — flower-based.
• Woody — cedar, sandalwood, vetiver.
• Oriental/Amber — warm, spicy, sweet.

Learn more in our fragrance families guide.

Ready to start?

Now that you know the language, explore beginner-friendly extraits like Aaranya and Neer in the Dabrana collection, and see our best perfumes for beginners guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between EDP and extrait?

Extrait de parfum has a higher oil concentration than EDP, so it is richer and lasts longer.

What does drydown mean?

The final stage of a fragrance, when the long-lasting base notes settle on your skin.

What is sillage vs projection?

Sillage is the trail you leave behind; projection is how far the scent radiates from you now.