aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

1

a

: a distinctive, pervasive, and usually pleasant or savory smell

the aroma of freshly-baked bread

broadly : odor

b

: the odor of a wine imparted by the grapes from which it is made

The wine has a fruity aroma.

2

: a distinctive quality or atmosphere : flavor

the sweet aroma of success

Synonyms

• attar
• otto
• balm
• bouquet
• fragrance
• fragrancy
• incense
• perfume
• redolence
• scent
• spice

Choose the Right Synonym for aroma

smell, scent, odor, aroma mean the quality that makes a thing perceptible to the olfactory sense.

smell implies solely the sensation without suggestion of quality or character.

an odd smell permeated the room

scent applies to the characteristic smell given off by a substance, an animal, or a plant.

the scent of lilacs

odor may imply a stronger or more readily distinguished scent or it may be equivalent to smell.

a cheese with a strong odor

aroma suggests a somewhat penetrating usually pleasant odor.

the aroma of freshly ground coffee

Examples of aroma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rye whiskey features oak, honey, and white pepper notes, balanced with caramel and fresh pine wood aromas. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 7 Dec. 2024

The 2018 Inglenook Cab is garnet colored with aromas of black raspberry, pencil lead, cinnamon, and blue fruits. —Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 2 Dec. 2024

The fragrance of her homemade pies mixed with the aroma of the turkey roasting in the oven created an air of anticipation that could be felt throughout the house. —Chrissy Carter, Outside Online, 30 Nov. 2024

The fragrance combines amber, almond, jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and santal for a unique aroma. —Shea Simmons, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English aromat "fragrant substance, as a spice or ointment," borrowed from Anglo-French aromat, aromant "balm," borrowed from Latin arōmat-, arōma "fragrant substance, spice," borrowed from Greek arōmat-, árōma, of obscure origin

First Known Use

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell

the aroma of coffee