aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce aroma (audio)
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
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 Innovation was in the air—but so were some other aromas. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 The restaurant’s lushly landscaped garden is ready to seat as many as 1,000 customers, and the aromas of cheese enchiladas and fajitas—recipes perfected over 89 years—fill the air. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2024 The aroma is a blend of blueberries, black current, sandalwood, vanilla, tobacco and sassafras. Liz Thach, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2024 But Take Note Unfortunately, the sweet aroma of gummy bears didn’t hold up against our tester’s daily activities (mostly mild exercise). Katrina Cossey, Parents, 22 Feb. 2024 The sweetly alcoholic aroma of the brandy is ever apparent alongside the fresh, floral thyme. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Decant it for an hour to let the fruit aromas unfurl before pairing it with kebabs or grilled chicken. Dave McIntyre, Washington Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Candlelight provides ambience while aromas waft from the adjacent open kitchen. Usa Today Network, USA TODAY, 15 Feb. 2024 The result is a whiskey with distinct spiciness, sandalwood aromas, and a hint of coconut, offering a truly Japanese whiskey experience. Lela London, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aroma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of aroma was in 1788

Dictionary Entries Near aroma

Cite this Entry

“Aroma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aroma. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

aroma

noun
aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə How to pronounce aroma (audio)
: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell
the aroma of coffee

More from Merriam-Webster on aroma

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