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 Solera system creates consistent aroma and flavor profiles across batches while allowing for layered and complex flavors. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

Honey, bourbon, vanilla, and cinnamon add a beautiful aroma and flavor. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 5 Nov. 2024

Jalapeño Cheddar Mac & Cheese: This candle features melted cheddar with a touch of jalapeño for a warm, slightly spicy aroma. —Sharon Greenthal, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Nov. 2024

The dripping oil merged with the extraction’s dense aroma to lull viewers into a false calm, much as historical romanticalization deploys its populist charm. —Hung Duong, Artforum, 1 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