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

Pick lemons with smooth, glossy skin and a strong citrus aroma for the best zest flavor. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2025

The fruit and its peel can be used to add flavor to drinks or aromas to perfumes. —Kirstyn Hill, Health, 22 Dec. 2025

Unlike chubby tamales wrapped in corn husks, the Oaxacan version is flatter, with a more balanced mix of masa and filling, and steamed in a banana leaf that imparts a grassy aroma. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Artist and chef Maya Yadid and her mother, Irit, served a five-generation-old hamin recipe from scalding-hot pots emitting earthy aromas. —Lea Donenberg, Vogue, 19 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