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 of aroma

• scent
• fragrance
• fragrancy

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

In addition to employing its research in terpene science first, This Works also tapped Givaudan and perfumer Julie Noe to develop the woodsy aroma. —Emily Burns, Footwear News, 4 Dec. 2025

Within a few minutes, the room is filled with the aroma of your favorite scented candle. —Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 3 Dec. 2025

Obakki’s catalog feels as close to authentic scent profiles as any candle could—there’s nothing fruity or sweet or exactly luscious about these aromas. —Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

Designer Leo Estévez was captivated by the lustrous leather flavor, while senior editor Joe Sevier was impressed with the grassy, floral flavors woven into the sweet cinnamon aroma. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

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

Rhymes for aroma

• diploma
• fibroma
• glaucoma
• glioma
• lipoma
• lymphoma
• myoma
• myxoma
• neuroma
• paloma
• schwannoma
• scotoma

Kids Definition

aroma

noun

aro·​ma ə-ˈrō-mə 

: a noticeable and usually pleasant smell

the aroma of coffee