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 WebHer 2020 Cab has aromas of black plum, fennel frond, cigar box, and cassis.—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2024 Its fresh and fruity scent features the aroma of roses and blackcurrant leaves.—Maya Polton, Parents, 27 Mar. 2024 Even the tree's putrid aroma emitted at full-bloom hasn't kept it from becoming a go-to ornamental option for developers and landscapers for decades.—Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024 When selecting berries, aroma, not color, is a sure sign of good flavor, so follow your nose to find the cream of the crop.—Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2024 This hair and body mist has a blend of warm spices and floral notes to create a cozy, inviting aroma that lingers gently in your hair.—Andrea Navarro, Glamour, 13 Mar. 2024 The tent had that wonderful aroma of Mongolia—of butter and mutton, of dung fires and horses.—Stanley Stewart, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Mar. 2024 Nearly nine years old, this delightful wine is golden straw colored and has aromas of stone fruits, apricot, and just a touch of white truffle.—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2024 Over time, Taiwan’s 7-Eleven stores cut the Slurpee and the Big Gulp and focused on local flavors, creating the store’s signature aroma — a potent blend of tea eggs marinated with cinnamon and star anise, fish cakes and roasted sweet potatoes.—Frank Shyong, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 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
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