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 WebThe cheese is then wrapped and matured in chestnut, Nebbiolo, or Syrah grape leaves for 20-25 days, adding a unique flavor and aroma.—Johnny Noakes, Hartford Courant, 15 July 2024 The 2020 has aromas of peppermint, vanilla, sweet red pepper, and dark cherry.—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 5 July 2024 Rotisserie Chicken No trip to Costco is complete without smelling the fresh aroma of rotisserie chickens.—Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 29 June 2024 As the aroma fills the room, the cooked bacon is dipped into a secret cotton candy syrup glaze.—Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for aroma
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
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