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

The guy soaking, steaming and roasting grains, then scrutinizing the aromas, seems unbothered by how everybody else in Dallas is, or isn’t, making bread. —Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026

According to a post on Facebook by the New Zealand Police, a volunteer at the store noticed a pungent aroma before opening the bag, and found multiple small bags of marijuana and a large wad of cash. —Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

Seeking it would suggest a preference for the boozy aroma and flavor… perhaps akin to their human relatives. —Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026

While this extends shelf-life, Lanuzza recommends to use them as soon as possible for maximum flavor, juice, and aroma. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2026

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