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 nose is extremely fragrant, with strong spice and botanicals aromas wafting around a fruity rye base. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Oct. 2024

The spices come directly from their farm in Kerala, India and are hand selected to create blends with unforgettable aromas and tastes that are unlike other products that merely hint at spice, catering to what some may call a milder, American palate. —Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024

Even faster cooking are red split lentils which have a nutty flavor and aroma. —Bethany Thayer, Detroit Free Press, 19 Oct. 2024

Its aroma and smoke are said to transverse and communicate between the material world and the world of spirits. —Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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