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

Their Bartolucci Vineyard 2021 has enticing aromas of cocoa powder, black raspberry, and red cherry that transition to flavors of blackberry, cassis, and pencil lead, all wrapped in a velvety tannic sheath. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026

The potent aroma of garlic will repel everyone from spider mites to deer to snails. —Heather Bien, The Spruce, 24 Apr. 2026

The aroma of roasted coffee completes this morning experience. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

At Laredo Taqueria, steam curls from a sizzling skillet as the aroma of jalapeño, cumin, and fresh lime mingles with the nutty scent of tortillas cooking nearby. —Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 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